Types of Aid

GRANTS

FEDERAL GRANTS

The following two grants are supported by funds that the federal government allocates each year to UNH. Our office administers these funds and makes awards according to federal regulations. It is likely that different amounts will be available each year, and it is possible that programs may be dropped, curtailed, or expanded periodically. For additional information on Federal Grants, see The Student Guide.

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS are designed to assist students demonstrating exceptional financial need in the continuation of their training and education after high school. They provide eligible students with "a foundation of financial aid to help defray the costs of college attendance." During the 2008-2009 academic year, grants ranged from $445 to $4731. Students apply for a 2009-2010 Pell Grant by completing a FAFSA after January 1, 2009. This award does not have to be paid back.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG) funds are available to undergraduates demonstrating exceptional financial need. An SEOG is federal money that UNH allocates to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the financial aid deadline (March 1). An SEOG does not have to be paid back.

UNH RESIDENT & NON-RESIDENT TUITION GRANTS

Tuition Grants are UNH based grant money for needy undergraduate students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the financial aid deadline (March 1). This award does not have to be paid back.

UNIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Established to aid diversity at UNH, awards are granted to incoming freshmen in an amount not to exceed tuition. Students must file a FAFSA in order to be reviewed for this award.

ATHLETIC GRANTS-IN-AID

Athletics scholarships are available to male and female student-athletes who are (or will be) participants on an intercollegiate team. Recipients are chosen by the head coach of each sport and the coach determines the amount of the award, in consultation with the Director of Athletics. Students interested in these scholarships are required to be a member of a specific intercollegiate team and should contact the head coach of that sport.

It is the policy of the University of New Hampshire that men and women will have equal access to funds for athletic scholarships to participate in intercollegiate programs. Criteria and procedures for awarding such scholarships are formulated by the Department of Athletics.

LOANS

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM

A Perkins Loan is a federally funded loan administered by UNH and is available to both undergraduate and graduate students who file on-time and demonstrate exceptional need. The interest rate on a Perkins Loan is fixed at 5%. Interest does not accrue while the student is enrolled at least half time. Repayment begins nine months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below (at least) half-time enrollment.

SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN

A Subsidized Stafford Loan is a federally funded loan available to both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Borrowers have their interest paid by the federal government while attending college at least half-time. Subsidized Stafford Loans have an interest rate of 6%. Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, leaves school or drops below (at least) half-time enrollment.

UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN

An Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to both undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans have an interest rate of 6.8%. Unlike the Subsidized Stafford Loan, the student is responsible for the interest while he/she is attending school. The interest can be paid quarterly or can be capitalized; meaning the interest will build on the principle.

SUMMER LOANS

Students who wish to use a portion of their Stafford Loan eligibility or an Alternative Loan to pay for Summer classes must complete a Summer Loan Course Form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Please note: Using Stafford Loan funds for the summer will impact your academic year (Fall and Spring) Financial Aid.

For additional information on these Federal student loans, see The Student Guide.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY PROGRAM

The Federal Work-Study utilizes federal funds to provide employment opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students who file on-time and demonstrate financial need.

Work-Study earnings are not credited to the tuition bill; they are paid directly to the student for hours worked. Paychecks are issued on a bi-weekly basis according to the Work Study Payroll Schedule.

Job openings are posted on our web site. Eligible students may contact the job supervisor directly and interview for such positions on their own.

SUMMER FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM

Undergraduate and graduate students who wish to apply for the 2008 Summer Federal Work-Study Program should file their FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, 2009. Summer Work-Study Applications are available in our office and on the 'Forms' page after March 1, 2009.