We know that financial aid and affordability are some of your top concerns when searching for a college. Here at UNH, we are committed to making a valuable education as affordable as possible for you. Welcome to our Financial Aid Talk blog series, where we break down aid and affordability in a realistic and helpful way. Today, we're breaking down the types of financial aid and scholarships you can receive and what they all mean.
UNH student in an advising session
What are the types of financial aid?
There are several types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Your award package will include different forms of aid, each affecting your financial responsibility in both the short and long term. Let's start by breaking it down by types of aid you need to pay back and types you don't need to pay back.
New student orientation at UNH
What types of aid do you have to pay back?
Loans are a type of financial aid that you have to pay back.
There are two federal loans associated with the FAFSA:
- Subsidized loans – where the federal government pays the interest that accrues while you’re in school
- Unsubsidized loans – where interest that accrues while in school and payment of this interest is your responsibility (interest does not need to be paid while in school)
Should you take out a loan?
Loans are a useful (and common) tool to help pay for college. They are also a long-term investment that will influence your post-grad life as you build your career. As you consider taking out loans, talk to your parents or guardians and think about your plans for after graduation.
A UNH advising session
What types of aid do you not have to pay back?
You don't need to pay back aid from merit scholarships, need-based grants or work-study.
- Merit scholarships are scholarships based on high school academic performance and other factors.
- Need-based grants are aid in the form of grants based on student financial need.
- The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for students with demonstrated financial need.
How do I find and apply for scholarships?
At UNH, you're automatically considered for merit scholarships just by applying! Our merit scholarships are GPA-based. Check out more information here on what scholarship amount you might qualify for based on your GPA and to see other scholarship opportunities at UNH.
UNH student working on a laptop
What if I have questions about financial aid?
The UNH financial aid office is full of people who care about future and current Wildcats. They are here to answer any questions that may come up. Check out our Net Price Calculator to see what a UNH education might cost for you and what aid you might be eligible for.
Ready to learn more?
- Learn more about how to navigate your financial aid award.
- Discover more about our amazing student outcomes.
- Explore the financial aid stop on our virtual tour.
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