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Applying to college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here we break it down into clear steps, provide the resources you need, and guide you through every stage so you can start your Wildcat journey with confidence.
Early college online
Earn UNH college credit while still in high school. UNH Early College Online, offered through the College of Professional Studies in partnership with VLACS, lets eligible high school students take fully online, college-level courses that count toward both high school graduation and a future college degree — for $150 per course.
Application process
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- Current high school sophomore (must have completed sophomore English), junior, or senior
- Homeschool students 15 or older are also eligible
- Must complete courses before turning 21
- Have not yet earned a high school diploma
- Not currently expelled from a school or diploma-granting program
Step 2: Check course fit
Talk with your school counselor and the VLACS team to choose courses that align with your future plans and keep you on track for graduation requirements. Browse available courses on VLACS.
Step 3: Create a VLACS account and register
Registration happens directly through VLACS, not UNH — this is required to receive free tuition and high school credit. Create your VLACS account and register.
Students who don't create a VLACS account won't receive high school credit and will be charged full UNH CPS tuition instead.
Step 4: Complete the UNH Account Form
Once VLACS enrolls you in your course, complete the UNH Account Form — this is required to access the UNH Online Library and to receive a UNH transcript.
Step 5: Start your course
VLACS will assign you to the class and send instructions for accessing course and reference materials.
Cost: $150 per course for NH residents (covers instructional materials); out-of-state students pay VLACS's own tuition rate.
CATS program
Take a class at UNH's main campus in Durham while still in high school. CATS lets eligible juniors and seniors enroll in up to 8 credits (2 classes) per semester as Continuing Education students — earning real UNH transcript credit, not dual-enrollment credit.
Term | Registration window | Semester start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 | March 23 through the start of class | May 18 / June 22 |
Fall 2026 | July 20 – August 28 | August 31, 2026 |
Spring 2027 | Mid-December – January 22 | January 26, 2026 |
Application process
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- 16 years old or older
- Enrolled in a U.S.-based school (homeschool students must be registered with the State of NH and able to demonstrate college-preparatory education appropriate for the program)
- Overall 3.0+ GPA (B average)
Step 2: Choose your course(s)
- Review the UNH course schedule, filtering by Durham campus, Undergraduate level, and Subject Code. The "Open to Continuing Education" filter shows courses without prerequisites, but only works once registration opens.
- Look for courses without prerequisites or restrictions where possible. If your desired course has prerequisites, you'll need departmental approval — but only after you're accepted into CATS.
Step 3: Submit the CATS application
The application requires:
- Student information and acknowledgement
- High school guidance counselor recommendation
- Course request
- Parent/guardian acknowledgement
Step 4: Wait for admissions review
Step 4: Wait for admissions review
UNH Admissions reviews your application and follows up by email. Acceptance into CATS doesn't guarantee a seat in your requested course — courses may already be full, and departmental approval (if required) isn't guaranteed either.
Step 5: Registration
If accepted, the Registrar's Office reviews your course request and emails you to complete the Parent & Student Acknowledgement form. You'll then be registered if possible, with a confirmation email — or a follow-up email if additional steps (like permissions) are needed.