Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte announced her intention to create a Community College Promise Program that would provide free tuition for New Hampshire students with family income of up to $100,000.
“Our community college system ranks among the top ten in the nation and is a vital partner in our efforts to create more pathways to good-paying careers for Granite Staters,” said Governor Ayotte. “Today, we are taking another step toward making higher education more affordable and helping more people achieve their career goals. I will include a Community College Promise Program in my next budget to provide free tuition for New Hampshire students with a family income of up to $100,000. I look forward to working with Chancellor Lloyd, CCSNH leadership, and the Legislature to make this plan a reality and expand opportunities for students across our state.”
Eligibility requirements of the plan put forward by the Governor include:
- Be a New Hampshire resident
- Be admitted to one of New Hampshire’s seven community colleges
- Have a total family income of up to $100,000, with typical assets
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all federal aid eligibility requirements
- Enroll in at least 6 credits per semester as a matriculated student
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA and meet federal satisfactory academic progress standards
The Community College Promise Program will be part of the Governor’s recommended state budget for FY 2028-29 and will need to be approved by the Legislature in order to take effect for the fall 2027 semester.
“We applaud Governor Ayotte’s proposal to expand educational opportunities through a Community College Promise Program and share her vision of making college more accessible and affordable for New Hampshire residents,” said CCSNH Chancellor Dr. Chuck Lloyd. “For many students, cost remains the greatest barrier to pursuing higher education and workforce training. This proposal would help remove that barrier, opening pathways to opportunity, and enabling more Granite Staters to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s economy. Community colleges play a vital role in providing affordable, high-quality education that supports career advancement and economic mobility. By investing in access to postsecondary education, New Hampshire is also investing in the skilled workforce employers are calling for and in the long-term strength and competitiveness of our state’s economy.”
The plan proposed by the Governor and developed with input from the Community College System of New Hampshire is a “last-dollar” grant that would cover tuition (not including fees and other expenses) after federal and state aid is applied. While the program would begin in the fall 2027 semester, current and new students would be eligible.
Read the Governor’s full press release.
Q. What does this mean for CCSNH and students right now?
A. Right now this is a proposed plan. It takes effect only once approved in the State budget through a Legislative process that begins in early 2027 and should conclude by June 30, 2027. The program would start in the Fall semester of 2027. If it becomes law, CCSNH will re-process accounts for students who are already registered/paid, and process accounts for new students in accordance with program eligibility. There will be no separate application for the Promise Program.
Q. What does “last-dollar” mean?
A. Students will need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for eligibility. A last-dollar program pays for any remaining tuition costs after all eligible federal and state grants and scholarships have been applied. In other words, students must first use any grant aid they receive, and the Promise Program would then cover the remaining tuition balance. The program does not cover fees, books, supplies, transportation, housing, or other living expenses. Students may choose to pay those costs out of pocket or, if eligible, use federal student loans or other resources to help cover them.
