Discover the Value of a Nonprofit University
Keeping tuition rates low is just the beginning. At Southern New Hampshire University, we’re committed to helping you understand all the ways you can get more from your education—for less money.
SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We recently cut our campus tuition in half to make the traditional college experience more affordable.
Get more information about financing your education, and how to lower the cost of your degree.
Transferring to SNHU? Let’s Get Started.
We’ll help you maximize the value you can get for the work you’ve already done—which can save you time and money on the path to your degree. Learn more about transferring credits to SNHU or use our Net Price Calculator to see how much you could save.
Financial Aid Step-by-Step
Applying for financial aid can seem daunting at first. Use this step-by-step guide to walk through the process. You can download the financial aid checklist (PDF) to track your progress.
Step 1: Get your FSA ID
Visit studentaid.gov to create an account and get your Federal Student Aid ID. You’ll need this to complete step 2.
Step 2: Submit the FAFSA
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid any time after Oct. 1, but at least 60 days prior to your anticipated start date.
SNHU's School Code is 002580.
Step 3: Review your FAFSA Submission Summary
After you submit your FAFSA online, you’ll receive your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). Check it for errors, make corrections and submit any additional documentation that may be required.
Step 4: Evaluate your financial aid offer
Student Financial Services will create an offer for you through a process called “packaging.” They’ll send it to your SNHU email to let you know which grants or loans you qualify for.
Step 5: Secure funding
To accept federal loans, complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling. Tip: You don't have to take the full amount you're approved for — contact Student Financial Services to customize your loans.
Step 6: Work hard!
To receive Federal Student Aid, you’re required to make satisfactory academic progress toward completing your degree, so be sure to keep up with your classes and reach out for help if you need it.
Step 7: Repeat
To continue receiving financial aid, you’ll need to repeat steps 2-6 each year you attend SNHU. Tip: Follow the office of Federal Student Aid on Twitter for info and updates.
Step 8: Contact us
If you still have questions, contact your Student Financial Services team to learn more. Email us at sfscampus@snhu.edu (campus students), studentfinance@snhu.edu (online students) or call 877.455.7648.
What SNHU Students are Saying
Jennifer Wysocki '21
"The financial aid team walked me through the process, and the costs were much lower than I expected."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is money provided to the student and the family to help them pay for the student's education or which is conditioned on the student's attendance at an educational institution. Major forms of financial aid include gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (loans and work).
Where can I find my SNHU 1098T tax form?
To request your 1098T tax form, access your mySNHU account and click on the Student Financial Services tab. There, you will see a button to request your form.
I don't think I qualify for Financial Aid, should I even bother applying?
You should apply. Every student who submits a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) might be eligible to receive at minimum a fixed interest rate non-need based unsubsidized Direct loans.
Is there a difference in Financial Aid between undergraduate and graduate Students?
Yes. Undergraduate students may be eligible for federal grants and additional grant money from SNHU. Undergraduate day students have additional financial aid resources available to them. Graduate level students are only eligible for Direct Loans.
No one is helping me pay for college; that makes me an independent student, right?
The federal government determines your dependency status by asking a series of questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you indicate no to each of these questions, you are a dependent student.
When does SNHU receive my FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
SNHU will receive your FAFSA information from the federal government approximately 3-5 business days after they have processed your completed application. You will receive an email from the federal processor when your information has been released to SNHU.
I have been selected for Federal Verification, did I do something wrong?
No. Approximately 30% of all students who apply for financial aid are selected for Federal Verification. Visit the Student Award Guide for additional information about Federal Verification.
You offered me more federal loans than I need. Why?
At SNHU, you’re offered the maximum amount of loans that you’re eligible to receive. It’s recommended that you borrow only what you need. You may choose not to borrow the full amount you’re offered by making an adjustment on your financial aid award letter. Call Student Financial Services at 877.455.7648 to learn more.
How do I use Financial Aid to pay for my books?
You are required to pay for your books out of pocket. Subsequently, if the amount of your financial aid per term or semester exceeds the cost of your tuition and fees, you will be able to reimburse yourself for the cost of your books through the refund process.
I received financial aid refunds from my previous school, how does SNHU process these refunds?
Visit SNHU's refund page to find out about student account refunds.
I am coming back to school, how do I defer my loans?
Fill out the Enrollment Verification Request Form and fax it to our Registrars office at 603.629.4647.
My income this year is much less than last year. Should I let you know?
The FAFSA uses prior-prior year (PPY) federal tax information as a determinant of financial need. If your income is significantly less now than is reflected in your PPY tax information, you may want to contact Student Financial Services at 877.455.7648 to discuss.