We believe every New Hampshire student deserves the opportunity to pursue college. That’s why UNH Manchester offers the Granite Guarantee, a financial aid program that covers the cost of tuition for Pell-eligible first-year and transfer students from New Hampshire.
Here's How You Qualify
You’ll automatically receive the Granite Guarantee if you meet the following criteria:
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
- You’re a New Hampshire resident
- You’re entering your first year of college at UNH Manchester
- You’re eligible for a federal Pell Grant
TRANSFER STUDENTS
- You’re a New Hampshire resident
- You have an associate degree from a New Hampshire community college
- You’re eligible for a federal Pell Grant
Ready to Get Started?
No special application is needed. You’re just four steps from up to four years tuition-free.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Prospective students can schedule a half-hour appointment with an admissions counselor to review their transfer credits.
Granite Guarantee FAQs
UNH Manchester is committed to making college possible for New Hampshire students, which includes removing more of the financial barriers students face with higher education. Making a UNH education affordable for students will always be our priority.
The Granite Guarantee ensures federal, state and UNH merit and grant aid, funds that students do not need to repay, will fully cover the cost of tuition. You will not see a single type of aid listed as the Granite Guarantee. Instead, it’s a combination of scholarships and grants (state, federal and institutional) that add up to the entire cost of tuition charged on your bill.
As long as you continue making satisfactory progress toward your degree as a full-time student, continue to be Pell-eligible and remain a New Hampshire resident, you will pay no tuition for up to four years. The Granite Guarantee is a need-based program so there is no GPA or minimum grade requirement to be eligible.
To figure out your financial responsibility after the Granite Guarantee, subtract the total of your financial assistance (all your grants and scholarships) from the actual cost of attendance, which is tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks and transportation. Once you have a clearer sense what is out of pocket, you’ll want to talk with your family about the right financial decision for you.
Your financial aid package will include a combination of federal, state and UNH grants and scholarships equal to the cost of tuition that you do not need to pay back. Federal loans may also be available as a resource to be used towards other costs, such as fees and room and board.
The Granite Guarantee ensures that any Pell-eligible New Hampshire first-year student as well as transfer student who graduated from a New Hampshire community college will pay no tuition to attend UNH (Manchester or Durham campuses). The Granite Guarantee is available to all admitted students who qualify.
Granite Guarantee eligible students who defer their enrollment to a future semester must meet eligibility requirements in the semester in which they actually enroll. First-time, first-year students who defer and do not enroll at another institution are still eligible for the Granite Guarantee at UNH.
No—the Granite Guarantee covers full-time tuition for the fall and spring semesters, provided the student meets all eligibility requirements.
Students can transfer the Granite Guarantee between UNH campuses (Manchester and Durham), but not between USNH institutions.
Questions?
We’re here to help! Connect with a financial aid counselor at 603-641-4189 or unhm.fa@unh.edu.