Paying for college can be stressful, but if you’re considering Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), there’s good news! SNHU offers various scholarships, financial aid, tuition discounts, and payment options to help students reduce the cost of their education.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about SNHU scholarships, including who qualifies, how to apply, and other ways to save money on tuition. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to make SNHU more affordable.
Does SNHU Offer Scholarships?
Yes! SNHU offers several scholarship opportunities for students, both online and on-campus. These scholarships are designed to help students from different backgrounds, whether they have excellent grades, financial need, military experience, or employer support.
In addition to SNHU scholarships, students can also apply for federal and state grants, work-study programs, and external scholarships.
Now, let’s explore all the types of scholarships SNHU provides and how you can apply for them.
Types of Scholarships at SNHU
SNHU offers different kinds of scholarships, based on academic performance, financial need, military service, and other special qualifications. Below, we’ll go through each scholarship category and how you can qualify.
1. Merit-Based Scholarships (For Campus Students)
If you have good grades, you may qualify for merit-based scholarships at SNHU. These scholarships are awarded to students based on academic achievement rather than financial need.
Examples of SNHU Merit-Based Scholarships:
- Presidential Scholarship – Given to students with excellent academic records.
- Dean’s Scholarship – Awarded to students who have strong grades and leadership qualities.
- Provost’s Scholarship – For students who show a high level of academic success.
📌 Important: Merit-based scholarships are only available to campus students, not online students.
💡 Tip: To qualify for merit-based scholarships, maintain a high GPA in high school or your previous college courses.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships help students who cannot afford tuition on their own. These scholarships are awarded based on financial need, which is determined by your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application.
Examples of Need-Based Scholarships at SNHU:
- SNHU Opportunity Grant – Helps students who have financial challenges.
- Endowed Scholarships – Funds given by private donors to support students in need.
How to Apply for Need-Based Scholarships:
- Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible.
- Wait for your financial aid package from SNHU.
- See if you qualify for SNHU’s need-based scholarships.
💡 Tip: Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s always a good idea to apply for FAFSA. Many students receive aid even if their family income is not very low.
3. Military Scholarships and Discounts
SNHU is very supportive of military members, veterans, and their families. They offer discounts and scholarships to those who have served or are currently serving.
Military Benefits at SNHU:
- 30% tuition discount for active-duty military members.
- Tuition assistance for military spouses through the MyCAA program.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill® benefits.
- Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program (for veterans who qualify).
- Credit transfer for military experience and training.
💡 Tip: If you’re in the military, always ask SNHU’s financial aid office about additional scholarships available for service members and their families.
4. Employer Tuition Assistance
Some companies offer tuition assistance or scholarship programs for employees who want to continue their education. SNHU partners with many companies to provide tuition discounts and financial aid.
How Employer Tuition Assistance Works:
- Your employer may pay for part or all of your tuition.
- Some companies have scholarship programs for their employees.
- SNHU offers tuition discounts to employees of certain companies.
📌 Important: If you have a job, check with your HR department to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
💡 Tip: If your employer doesn’t offer tuition assistance, ask if they would be willing to sponsor part of your education.
5. External Scholarships (Scholarship Universe)
Besides SNHU’s scholarships, students can apply for external scholarships through SNHU’s Scholarship Universe portal.
How Scholarship Universe Helps:
- It’s a free database with over 17,000 scholarships.
- You fill out a profile, and it matches you with scholarships you qualify for.
- All scholarships are verified and legitimate.
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t qualify for SNHU’s internal scholarships, you can still apply for external scholarships through Scholarship Universe.
How to Apply for Scholarships at SNHU
Now that you know about the scholarships available, let’s go over how to apply.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
Most scholarships and grants require you to fill out the FAFSA. This form helps SNHU determine how much financial aid and scholarship money you qualify for.
📌 FAFSA Deadline: It’s best to apply as early as possible to get maximum aid.
Step 2: Check Your Financial Aid Package
After you submit your FAFSA, SNHU will send you a financial aid package. This will show:
- How much aid you qualify for.
- Which scholarships or grants you are eligible for.
- Any federal loans or work-study programs available.
Step 3: Apply for Additional Scholarships
- If you qualify for merit-based scholarships, make sure you meet the GPA requirements.
- If you’re a military student, apply for military-specific scholarships.
- Use Scholarship Universe to find external scholarships.
Step 4: Ask About Employer Tuition Assistance
- Check if your company offers tuition reimbursement.
- If your employer has scholarship programs, apply for them.
- Ask SNHU if your employer is one of their tuition discount partners.
Other Ways to Save Money at SNHU
Even if you don’t qualify for scholarships, there are other ways to reduce tuition costs.
1. Transfer Credits
SNHU allows students to transfer previous college credits to reduce tuition costs.
- Transfer up to 90 credits for a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer up to 45 credits for an associate degree.
2. Federal Work-Study (FWS)
- SNHU offers part-time jobs through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program.
- You can earn money while studying.
3. Payment Plans
- SNHU offers interest-free payment plans to help students pay tuition in smaller amounts.
4. Financial Literacy Support
- SNHU has a Financial Literacy team to help students manage their finances and student loan debt.
Final Thoughts: Can You Get a Scholarship at SNHU?
Yes! SNHU offers many scholarship opportunities to help students reduce tuition costs. Whether you have high grades, financial need, military experience, or an employer that supports your education, there are many ways to make SNHU more affordable.
✅ Best Steps to Get a Scholarship at SNHU:
- Complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
- Check SNHU’s merit-based and need-based scholarships.
- Use Scholarship Universe to find additional scholarships.
- Ask your employer if they offer tuition assistance.
- Consider work-study and credit transfers to lower tuition costs.
By exploring these options, you can attend SNHU without taking on too much debt! 🎓💰