If you are Pell-eligible, you could attend college tuition-free.
CCSNH Promise Program: Providing need-based gap funding to eligible in-state students.
New for the 2023-2024 academic year, the CCSNH Promise Program will help eligible New Hampshire students with financial need to bridge the gap between grants and scholarships and the cost of tuition and required comprehensive fees at all of New Hampshire’s community colleges. Funding is in place for the 2023-24 academic year, and thereafter will be subject to available funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
The Promise Program is need-based financial assistance for New Hampshire students enrolled in courses that are part of an academic degree or certificate program at one of seven community colleges. If you are eligible for a Pell grant of any amount, you may qualify.
You will know if you are Pell-eligible once you have submitted the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.
Full and part-time students are eligible. To receive Promise Program funds, you must enroll for at least 6 credits per semester.
How do I apply for funding?
You must complete the FAFSA and all federal requirements, if any. If you need help with the FAFSA process, contact your college’s Financial Aid Office. There is no separate application for Promise Program funds.
How much funding can I receive?
If you receive any amount of Pell funding, the Promise Program can cover the gap between your grants and the full amount of tuition and required comprehensive fees. If you receive other grants in addition to Pell such as Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Unique Scholarship, or Governor’s Scholarship, we will apply those first; and then any gap that remains may be covered through the Promise Program.
I was only planning to attend part-time. Can I change my plans to add more courses and pay for them with Promise Program funding?
Yes. If you are eligible for Promise Program funds, you may add courses; the program will cover full-time enrollment for eligible students.
I already applied and registered for classes for the Fall 2023 semester. Am I still eligible for the Promise Program?
Yes. If you have completed the FAFSA and all federal requirements, you will be notified by the Financial Aid Office.
What about specialized program fees?
Some programs do have specific fees that cover specialized materials, tools, and equipment (for example, welding, auto, nursing, dental and some others). Those additional fees are not presently covered by the Promise Program, but you can review your financial aid offer for other potential sources of aid.
What if I have already established a payment plan for the semester/year?
We understand that you may have already made some payments towards your education, and you might be wondering how this new scholarship will affect them. Rest assured, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Our Business office will automatically refund the payments you have made to date and your Promise scholarship will be applied to your account. Once the scholarship is applied to your account it will cancel your payment plan if you have one set up. You will be prompted via email to set up direct deposit to receive your refund.
Can I connect with someone to learn more about the Promise Program?
Yes. Please contact the college you are attending or wish to attend (eligibility is the same at all NH community colleges).
Great Bay Community College | [email protected]
Lakes Region Community College | [email protected]
Manchester Community College | [email protected]
Nashua Community College | [email protected]
NHTI – Concord’s Community College | [email protected]
River Valley Community College | [email protected]
White Mountains Community College | [email protected]
Where is the funding coming from?
The Promise Program was included in the biennial budget passed by the New Hampshire Legislature and signed into law by Governor Sununu. This is the first time a program like this has been funded at New Hampshire’s community colleges. This is currently a one-time investment by the State, and the program will only be continued in future years if additional funds are appropriated.
Is there anything else I should know?
At New Hampshire’s community colleges, we want to help you set educational goals and achieve them. Whether it’s this Promise Program or other sources of aid we identify, talk to us and let us find a way to help. Every year, thousands of students achieve their goals at New Hampshire’s community colleges. You can, too.