New Hampshire National Guard Tuition Waiver
State of New Hampshire (Adjutant General; University System and Community College System of New Hampshire)
Members of the New Hampshire National Guard can take courses tuition-free at New Hampshire's public colleges and universities.
- How much
- 100% of tuition at NH public colleges and universities (fees not covered), after federal tuition benefits
- Who qualifies
- Active member of the New Hampshire Army or Air National Guard (spouse transfer possible after 6+ years of service)
- Sworn-in active NH National Guard member (in-state or out-of-state residence); degree-enhancing curriculum at a CCSNH or USNH institution; must use federal TA and Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefits first; good standing with unit.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, transfer students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; arranged each term through the Guard unit education officer.
- How to apply
- Start with the education officer at your Guard unit, who confirms eligibility (determined by the Adjutant General) and provides the waiver form signed by an E7 or above and your Education Liaison Officer
- Apply to and be admitted by the CCSNH or USNH college through its normal admissions process, and use federal Tuition Assistance or Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition first
- What you'll need
- membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (gc.nh.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Under the New Hampshire National Guard Education Assistance Act (RSA 110-B:63-a to 63-g), sworn-in active members of the NH Army or Air National Guard (living in or out of state) may take courses tuition-free in a degree-enhancing curriculum at any Community College System of New Hampshire college or University System of New Hampshire institution. Members must first use any Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefit and federal military Tuition Assistance; Montgomery GI Bill, housing allowances and other non-tuition benefits are not counted. The waiver covers tuition only (not fees). UNH says you must complete Initial Entry Training (AIT or Tech School) and be in good standing with your unit. After completing an initial service obligation of at least 6 years, a member may transfer the benefit to a spouse in exchange for a further 4-year reserve service obligation (this spouse provision is scheduled for repeal on July 1, 2027). The benefit can end for failing to complete the Guard obligation, missing the 90% drill and training attendance rate, or 9 unsatisfactory drill periods in a calendar year; if service ends while enrolled, the member repays the remaining tuition for that course pro rata.
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.