Why Winter Break Is the Perfect Time to Apply to UNH Manchester

The Millyard Advantage: The City Is Your Campus

UNH Manchester sits in the historic Millyard, just steps from startups, global companies, labs, studios, and cultural venues, so your classroom experience literally extends into the city. From biotechnology and engineering technology to communication arts and psychology, programs are intentionally career-driven and plugged into Manchester’s innovative ecosystem. 

Students learn by doing in spaces like the Biotechnology Innovation Center, engineering labs, and communication arts production studios, so whether you’re analyzing DNA, programming a robot, or directing a short film, you’re building a résumé while you earn your degree. 

Starting (or Continuing) Your Journey Is Simple

The application process for first-year students and transfer students is slightly different, but both are simple, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

First-Year Applicants

First-year applicants apply through the Common Application and follow an easy, streamlined process. Key dates to keep in mind include:

FAFSA Priority Deadline: March 1

Fall 2026 Application Deadline: April 1

Once you apply, you’ll get access to your Application Portal, where you can track updates and decision timelines.

Transfer Applicants

For transfer students, the process is just as straightforward. UNH Manchester accepts up to 72 credits from community colleges and 96 from four-year institutions, and we work closely with New Hampshire’s community colleges to create clear transfer pathways. Many transfer students also qualify for the Granite Guarantee, which can cover tuition for Pell-eligible NH residents, making your degree even more affordable. 

If you’re planning for Fall 2026, the transfer deadline is June 15.

Affordability, Scholarships, and Aid

UNH Manchester awards $1M+ in scholarships each year, and 82% of qualified students receive financial aid, including need-based and merit-based scholarships. You can explore aid types, use the Net Price Calculator, and meet with financial aid counselors to personalize your plan. Transfer-specific and degree-specific scholarships are also available, with awards ranging from $1,500 program scholarships to $3,000–$5,000 annual transfer awards, depending on credits and GPA.

Student Spotlights: Real Paths, Real Outcomes

1) Meet Transfer Trailblazer, Katrina Wells

Katrina Wells ’19 started her college journey at another institution before transferring to UNH Manchester, where she discovered her passion for biotechnology. Through hands-on labs and research opportunities, Katrina was able to chart an entirely new career path. Her experience illustrates the flexibility of UNH Manchester’s programs, the strength of our advising support, and the career-focused approach that makes transferring seamless, whether you’re coming from a community college or a four-year school.

If you’re considering a transfer, UNH Manchester offers resources designed to help you succeed, including dedicated academic advising, the Transfer Seminar to ease your transition, and access to tutoring, career services, faculty mentorship, and more. These supports ensure you hit the ground running and make the most of your credits and opportunities.

2) Meet Millyard Scholar and URA Winner, Caroline Heafield ‘26

Caroline Heafield ’26, a Millyard Scholar, turned a class project into an award-winning research trajectory. After a hands-on Antibiotic Discovery course, she completed summer biomedical research, launched an independent project on fungal metabolites, and earned an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) from UNH’s Hamel Center. It’s a perfect example of how Millyard Scholars blend coursework, research, and industry connections, often right on campus in the Biotechnology Innovation Center. 

The Millyard Scholars Program itself provides distinctive seminars, internships (including partnerships with ARMI), and scholarships ranging from $8,000–$20,000, covering up to 94% of tuition for NH residents. 

3) Meet Psychology Major, Aadam Saidybah ’27

Aadam Saidybah ’27 chose UNH Manchester for its close-knit community, supportive faculty, and hands-on psychology experiences. She values the mentorship and personalized guidance that come with our 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, as well as opportunities for internships and community-based research that bring classroom learning to life.

In the psychology program, students gain practical experience through real-world projects and internships with organizations that provide mental health, educational, and social services. These experiences prepare graduates for careers in counseling, clinical psychology, behavioral health, human resources, research, and graduate programs in fields like social work or neuroscience.

At UNH Manchester, psychology students build strong foundations in critical thinking, research methods, and human behavior, the core skills that employers value across industries.

Make Winter Break Count: Apply Now

Winter break is the perfect time to take the next step. Explore programs, read inspiring stories, and start your application today:

1. Apply: manchester.unh.edu/admissions/apply.
2. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships: manchester.unh.edu/admissions/financial-aid.
3. Read more stories about our students, alumni, faculty, and staff on our blog.

Whether you’re starting fresh or bringing credits with you, UNH Manchester makes it easy to enroll, affordable to attend, and rewarding to graduate. With strong placement outcomes, personalized teaching, and the city as your campus, the Millyard Advantage is waiting for you.

So, what are you doing over winter break? Why not apply to UNH Manchester?