Home / Education / N.H. Promises Free College for Families Under $100K
N.H. Promises Free College for Families Under $100K
2 Oct
Summary
- New Hampshire families earning up to $100,000 qualify for free tuition.
- Program starts fall 2027 for first-time students at UNH, KSC, and PSC.
- Replaces Granite Guarantee with income-based eligibility for wider access.
Incoming college students in New Hampshire will soon have access to free tuition at the University System of New Hampshire's three institutions, provided their family income is $100,000 or less per year. This new program, named the New Hampshire Promise, is set to launch for first-time enrollees in fall 2027.
This initiative aims to make higher education more accessible within the Granite State. It replaces the older Granite Guarantee program, which was based on federal Pell Grant eligibility. University leaders anticipate greater participation with the new income-based criteria, expecting approximately 1,200 students annually compared to the Granite Guarantee's average of 900 to 1,000.
The New Hampshire Promise will apply to students enrolling at the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, and Plymouth State University. Eligibility extends to income-qualified full-time first-year students and transfer students from New Hampshire community colleges. Applicants will be automatically considered upon submitting their FAFSA, with no separate application needed.
This move mirrors similar free tuition initiatives seen in other educational institutions across New England and the nation, as schools address the rising costs of postsecondary education. The program is viewed as an investment in students and the state's future, fostering opportunities for good-paying jobs and career growth within New Hampshire.
