New Hampshire's main state program is the Governor's Scholarship Program, which provides $1,000 a year (or $2,000 a year for students with the NH Scholars designation) to New Hampshire residents who qualify for the federal Pell Grant and attend an in-state college. You apply by filing the FAFSA and meeting the program's requirements. New Hampshire has limited broad state grant funding, so this program and college aid are central.
If your student is a New Hampshire resident attending college in state, the Governor's Scholarship can add steady help. Here is how it works for 2026-27.
What state financial aid does New Hampshire offer?
New Hampshire's primary state program is the Governor's Scholarship Program, administered through the New Hampshire State Treasury. Compared with many states, New Hampshire offers limited broad need-based grant funding, so this scholarship and your college's own aid carry more weight.
The program works alongside federal aid like the Pell Grant. For how the federal pieces fit together, see our complete 2026-27 financial aid guide.
What is the Governor's Scholarship Program?
The Governor's Scholarship Program provides annual awards to New Hampshire residents who are eligible for the federal Pell Grant and enroll as first-time, full-time students at a participating New Hampshire college. Students receive $1,000 a year, or $2,000 a year if they earned the NH Scholars designation in high school, for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment.
Because it is tied to Pell eligibility, the program targets students with financial need. You generally must have graduated from high school within the past three years and maintain continuous full-time enrollment.
Who is eligible for the Governor's Scholarship?
You generally must be a New Hampshire resident eligible for the federal Pell Grant, a first-time, full-time student at a participating in-state college, and a recent high school graduate (within three years). You must maintain continuous full-time enrollment of 12 credits each fall and spring, and meet conduct requirements.
The NH Scholars designation, earned through a rigorous high school course of study, doubles the award to $2,000 a year. For how grants fit a full plan, see our guide to paying for college.
How do you apply for New Hampshire state aid?
You apply by filing the FAFSA, which establishes your Pell eligibility, and by enrolling at a participating New Hampshire college as a first-time, full-time student. Confirm the current steps with the New Hampshire State Treasury and your college's financial aid office.
Your step-by-step path:
- File the FAFSA to establish your Pell eligibility.
- Enroll full-time at a participating New Hampshire college right after high school.
- Confirm your residency and program rules at the New Hampshire State Treasury.
- Track your college's own aid deadlines.
Your next step
New Hampshire's Governor's Scholarship can provide $1,000 to $2,000 a year for Pell-eligible residents, so filing the FAFSA and enrolling in state are the keys, and the NH Scholars designation doubles the award. File the FAFSA, enroll full-time in state, and confirm the steps with the State Treasury. Read our complete 2026-27 financial aid guide for the federal side, then create your free CollegeLens plan to see your real cost at each New Hampshire school.
You're doing the hard, smart work of claiming every program your state offers. That is how New Hampshire families make college more affordable.
-- Sravani at CollegeLens