Merit meets opportunity
Scholarships that recognize achievement
Scholarships go beyond grades, recognizing leadership, service, research, and more. Explore the opportunities below — most require no separate application, so there's a good chance you already qualify.
Undergraduate admission merit scholarships
At the University of New Hampshire (UNH), we are committed to recognizing the academic achievements of our students through merit scholarships. To ensure fairness and clarity, the following terms and conditions apply:
- Merit Scholarship Policy: Each accepted student is eligible to receive only one merit-based scholarship award from the University of New Hampshire per academic year. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership, and other criteria as determined by the university.
- Duplicate Awards: In the event that a student inadvertently receives multiple merit scholarship awards from the university for the same academic year, UNH reserves the right to review the awards and reconcile the total scholarship amount to align with these Merit Scholarship Terms and Conditions. The student will retain the highest-value merit scholarship for which they are eligible, and any additional awards will be adjusted or rescinded.
- Notification and Adjustment: Students who are identified as receiving duplicate merit scholarships will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid. Adjustments will be made promptly to reflect the correct award amount in the student’s financial aid package.
- Non-Merit-Based Scholarships and Financial Aid: This policy applies exclusively to UNH merit scholarships. Students may still be eligible for other forms of financial aid, including need-based aid, grants, or external scholarships, in accordance with university guidelines and federal/state regulations.
- Appeals: UNH does not negotiate merit awards and all merit awards are considered final. Students who feel an error has been made in their GPA calculation can contact the office of admission.
No additional application is required for the university's merit scholarships. Students will automatically be considered for these scholarships upon admission.
Merit Based First-Year Scholarships
| Scholarship | Weighted GPA Range* | NH Resident** | Non-NH Resident** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee's Scholarship | 4.01 and above | Up to $11,000.00 | Up to $20,000.00 |
| Chancellor's Scholarship | 3.90 - 4.00 | Up to $9,000.00 | Up to $15,000.00 |
| Presidential Scholarship | 3.70 - 3.89 | Up to $7,000.00 | Up to $12,000.00 |
| Dean's Scholarship | 3.50 - 3.69 | Up to $5,000.00 | Up to $10,000.00 |
| Director's Scholarship | 3.00 - 3.49 | Up to $2,000.00 | Up to $7,500.00 |
Criteria and restrictions:
- Awarded to our most academically competitive first-year applicants who present a strong college preparatory curriculum and consistent achievement.
- Renewable for up to 4-years (8 consecutive semesters), provided the recipient continues to meet GPA and academic progress requirements.
- Recipients must maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
- Recipients must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) by the end of their fourth semester and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the remainder of their undergraduate career at UNH.
- Recipients must make appropriate progress towards their degree and demonstrate the ideals of citizenship and character required as a member of the university community.
- Recipients with a change in residency classification may be subject to award adjustments.
- Recipients receiving in state residency due to veteran, employee or employee dependent status may be subject to award adjustments.
- UNH scholarship recipients who are subject to disciplinary action for their conduct will have their scholarship reduced by $500 in the succeeding semester. Recipients who are subject to more than one disciplinary action risk the revocation of the entire scholarship during their remaining time at the University.
*UNH recalculates each applicant’s GPA using a weighted 4.0 scale using core academic courses in English, math, science, social science and foreign language. Electives that fall within one of the five core academic courses will be included in the UNH recalculated GPA.
**Academic achievement in the classroom is the most critical factor in awarding merit scholarships at the University. Scholarships are intended to recognize and reward behaviors valued by UNH. Offer of award is based on information received at the time of admission application to the University.
Additional scholarships are available for current UNH students, students in specific college divisions, individual programs, and applicants to the Manchester Campus.
If you have any questions, please contact undergraduate admissions.
Merit Based Transfer Scholarships- Students Admitted Fall 2026 & Later
Accepted transfer students from both associate degree programs and from four year colleges are eligible for scholarships based on listed criteria. Applications must be submitted by the semester deadlines to be eligible for these scholarships. They are not available to students who have already received a bachelor's degree.
| Scholarship | Weighted GPA Range* | NH Resident** | Non-NH Resident** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Excellence Scholarship | 3.80 and above | $7,000.00 | $12,000.00 |
| Transfer Distinction Scholarship | 3.50 - 3.79 | $5,000.00 | $10,000.00 |
| Merrimack Valley Transfer Scholarship | 3.01 - 3.49 | $2,000.00 | $7,500.00 |
Criteria and restrictions:
- Awarded to our most academically competitive transfer applicants.
- Eligible for a maximum of 3-years (6 consecutive semesters at the undergraduate level), provided the recipient meets all listed criteria and restrictions.
- Recipients must maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
- Transfer Distinction and Transfer Excellence Scholarship recipients must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) by the end of their fourth semester and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the remainder of their undergraduate career at UNH.
- Merrimack Valley Transfer Scholarship recipients must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) by the end of their fourth semester and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the remainder of their undergraduate career at UNH.
- Recipients must make appropriate progress towards their degree and demonstrate the ideals of citizenship and character required as a member of the university community.
- Recipients with a change in residency classification may be subject to award adjustments.
- Recipients receiving in state residency due to veteran, employee or employee dependent status may be subject to award adjustments.
- UNH scholarship recipients who are subject to disciplinary action for their conduct will have their scholarship reduced by $500 in the succeeding semester. Recipients who are subject to more than one disciplinary action risk the revocation of the entire scholarship during their remaining time at the University.
**Academic achievement in the classroom is the most critical factor in awarding merit scholarships at the University. Scholarships are intended to recognize and reward behaviors valued by UNH. Offer of award is based on the cumulative GPA taken from the most recent college transcript at the time of admission application to the University.
Additional scholarships are available for current UNH students, students in specific college divisions, individual programs, and applicants to the Manchester Campus.
Merit Based Transfer Scholarships- Students Admitted Prior to Fall 2026
Accepted transfer students from both associate degree programs and from four year colleges are eligible for scholarships based on listed criteria. Applications must be submitted by the semester deadlines to be eligible for these scholarships. They are not available to students who have already received a bachelor's degree.
*Please note: All 24 credits must be from the same and your most recent institution to qualify for the following scholarships: Associate Degree Transfer Scholarship, Associate Degree Transfer Achievement Scholarship, Transfer Distinction Scholarship, Transfer Excellence Scholarship.
Associate degree transfer scholarship
- $3,000 annually ($1,500 per semester)
- This scholarship is awarded to accepted full-time students who are enrolled in an associate degree program and have 24 transferable college credits* and a 3.50 or higher.
- College GPA 3.50+
Associate degree transfer achievement scholarship
- $5,000 annually ($2,500 per semester)
- This scholarship is awarded to accepted full-time students who have completed an associate degree and have 24 transferable college credits* and a 3.50 or higher.
- College GPA 3.50+
Transfer distinction scholarship
- $3,000 annually ($1,500 per semester)
- This scholarship is awarded to accepted full-time students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and have 24 transferable college credits* and a 3.50 or higher cumulative GPA.
- College GPA 3.50+
Transfer excellence scholarship
- $5,000 annually ($2,500 per semester)
- This scholarship is awarded to accepted full-time students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and have 24 transferable college credits* and a 3.80 or higher cumulative GPA.
- College GPA 3.80+
Merrimack Valley transfer scholarship
- $1,500 annually ($750 per semester)
- This scholarship is awarded to accepted full-time students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and have a 3.30 or higher cumulative GPA.
- College GPA 3.30+
Millyard transfer scholarship
- $1,000 annually ($500 per semester)
- This scholarship is awarded to accepted full-time students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and have a 2.70 or higher cumulative GPA.
- College GPA 2.70+
Criteria and restrictions:
- Awarded to our most academically competitive transfer applicants.
- Eligible for a maximum of 3-years (6 consecutive semesters at the undergraduate leavel), provided the recipient meets all listed criteria and restrictions.
- Recipients must maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
- Associate Degree Transfer Scholarship, Associate Degree Transfer Achievement Scholarship, Transfer Distinction Scholarship, and Transfer Excellence Scholarship all require min of 3.2 GPA after 2 semesters.
- Millyard Transfer Scholarship & Merrimack Valley Transfer Scholarship both require min 2.5 GPA after 2 semesters.
- Recipients must make appropriate progress towards their degree and demonstrate the ideals of citizenship and character required as a member of the university community.
- Recipients with a change in residency classification may be subject to award adjustments.
- Recipients receiving in state residency due to veteran, employee or employee dependent status may be subject to award adjustments.
- UNH scholarship recipients who are subject to disciplinary action for their conduct will have their scholarship reduced by $500 in the succeeding semester. Recipients who are subject to more than one disciplinary action risk the revocation of the entire scholarship during their remaining time at the University.
**Academic achievement in the classroom is the most critical factor in awarding merit scholarships at the University. Scholarships are intended to recognize and reward behaviors valued by UNH. Offer of award is based on the cumulative GPA taken from the most recent college transcript at the time of admission application to the University.
Additional scholarships are available for current UNH students, students in specific college divisions, individual programs, and applicants to the Manchester Campus.
Hamel Scholarship
The Hamel Scholars Program supports exceptional in-state students in developing their full potential and graduating from UNH ready to lead in communities across New Hampshire. The scholarship is funded by a gift from Dana Hamel, a New Hampshire resident and long-time UNH supporter.
Awarded to:
- First-year applicants from New Hampshire
Amount:
- Varies — see the Hamel Scholars Program for details.
- The scholarship is a yearly award, determined by the Admissions Office, given on top of any merit or need-based aid a student already receives. It also comes with special opportunities for academic and co-curricular engagement.
- Renewable for all four years of a recipient's UNH undergraduate career, provided they continue to meet the renewal criteria.
How to apply:
- Apply by the November 15 early action deadline for preferred consideration.
- Students who are deemed competitive for the Hamel Scholarship will be invited to submit a required supplemental application.
Criteria and restrictions:
- Open to New Hampshire residents only.
- Selection is competitive and not automatic. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year to the highest-caliber in-state students who show outstanding academic achievement along with notable leadership in their school or community.
- At minimum, candidates should have academic credentials comparable to those invited to the University Honors Program, along with meaningful involvement in their school or community and a strong interest in and capacity for sustained community engagement.
If you have any questions, please contact undergraduate admissions.
Alumni Association scholarships
These scholarships are intended to recognize and foster the values of leadership and academic excellence at UNH. They are made available thanks to the UNH Alumni Association and express a proud tradition of philanthropy that ensures the continuance of opportunity for future generations of students.
*Note: Class Standing for all awards is defined by the report of credits earned as coded by the Registrar's Office in the student information system.
General scholarship application
Due: March 31st
David Ellsworth Davis New Hampshire Scholarship
The David Ellsworth Davis New Hampshire Scholarship Fund recognizes a student whose families have resided in New Hampshire for at least three generations. For the purposes of this award, three generations refers to the student, his or her mother and/or father, and any one of the student's maternal or paternal grandparents having been raised in or lived in New Hampshire for a majority of their lives. Students can submit a nomination for themselves or be nominated by a UNH faculty or staff member. Incoming admitted freshman may also submit a nomination for this scholarship.
Awarded to:
- A student whose families have resided in New Hampshire for at least three generations
Amount:
- Variable
How to apply:
- Self-nominate or be nominated by faculty or staff member
The UNH Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship
The UNH Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman student. This student must be a direct descendant of a relative (parent, grandparent or great-grandparent) who is/was an alumnus/a of the University of New Hampshire and who also had or continues to have a level of service to UNH. This $3,000 scholarship will follow the student throughout his/her four-year degree program at UNH, provided the recipient maintains a GPA of at least 3.2 and is in good standing all four years. The award is merit-based and the student must show strong leadership skills, an outstanding academic record, and broad extracurricular interests. Students may submit an application for review even if they have not made their final decision to accept.
Awarded to:
- An incoming freshman who is a direct descendant of a relative who is/was an alumnus/a of UNH and who has served or continues to serve UNH
Amount:
- $3,000/year (provided recipient maintains GPA of at least 3.2 and in good standing)
How to apply:
- Submit application
The Angelica Rose Basso and Vincent Luti Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is established at UNH through the generosity of Vincent F. Luti ’52 of Westport, Massachusetts. The scholarship is named in memory of his parents, Angelica Rose Basso, the daughter of Italian immigrants, and Vincent (Vincenzo) Luti a native of Tuscany, Italy. Through intelligence and hard work, they created lives rich in values for themselves and their son, Vincent Francis Luti, the donor. The fund was established in deep gratitude to his parents for the care in his upbringing, the support of his interest in music and the arts, and the development of his intellectual humanism through a BA in music and art within a broad humanistic base of studies at UNH. The purpose of this scholarship is that their memory and values live on in helping students in need from New Hampshire achieve their educational goals. Undergraduate students who are studying a major in the College of Liberal Arts or the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture are eligible for this scholarship. Recipients are selected by Financial Aid.
Alumni Meritorious Scholarship Fund
The Alumni Meritorious Scholarship Fund provides support to students in good academic standing at UNH. This award is based on academic merit.
The Class of 1985 & 1986 Leadership Scholarship
The Class of 1985 & 1986 Leadership Scholarship will provide financial support to those students who dedicate significant time and energy to the University's recognized student organizations in addition to pursuing their studies. This scholarship carries with it the hope that the student's leadership will carry over into the alumni organization that supports the University of New Hampshire. The scholarship is awarded based on financial need.
Academic department scholarships
Other campus departments, such as your deans office, may have an additional application.
Military and veteran scholarships
The Military and Veteran Services office helps facilitate scholarships for students who are currently or have served our country.
Miscellaneous scholarships
Please see below for other scholarship opportunities available across campus.
Athletic Scholarships
Awarded to:
- First-year applicants who are student athletes
Amount:
- Variable
How to apply:
- Contact UNH Athletics for details. The director of athletics, in consultation with coaches, distributes financial assistance to student athletes.
University Community Scholarship Fund
Awarded to:
- Students who are enrolled at UNH-Durham and UNH-Manchester undergraduate and incoming students
Amount:
- Variable
How to apply:
- An application is available here
International Student Scholarships
The University of New Hampshire offers limited scholarships each year to international students in valid F-1/J-1 status. These partial awards are based on both financial need and academic merit. Please visit the International Students & Scholars website for more information.
Awarded to:
- New and continuing undergraduate international students
Amount:
- Variable
How to apply:
- Newly admitted and continuing international undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.1 or higher will receive an email invitation to apply early in spring semester (usually February).
More information about criteria and restrictions for international student scholarships
Frank S. Lord Scholarships
Awarded to:
- Students from Carroll County that have financial need
Amount:
- Varies
How to apply:
UNH Student Awards
Each year UNH students, staff, and faculty recognize exceptional students who have distinguished themselves in the areas of growth, inclusivity, leadership, and programming by nominating them for one of the University's prestigious student awards. In the spring, the University community gathers to formally acknowledge the outstanding achievements of these award recipients at the annual Student Leadership Awards.
University Opportunity Grant
Need-based awards granted to incoming first-year students of all backgrounds, life experiences, and viewpoints whose presence will contribute to a diverse student body at UNH. A diverse student body that enhances the UNH educational experience will include students of varied race, age, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and veteran status.