Governor Ayotte Announces Plan to Make Community College More Affordable

CONCORD, N.H. - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte and Dr. Chuck Lloyd, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), announced a proposal to make community college more affordable for Granite Staters. The Governor's plan would establish a Community College Promise Program to provide free tuition for eligible New Hampshire students with a 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."

The Community College Promise Program will be included in the Governor's recommended state budget for FY28-29. The proposal will require legislative approval and, if enacted, would take effect beginning with the Fall 2027 semester.

"We applaud Governor Ayotte's proposal to expand educational opportunity through a Community College Promise Program and share her vision of making college more accessible and affordable for New Hampshire residents," said CCSNH Chancellor 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 importance of community colleges is deeply personal to me and my family," said Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais. "Both of my parents came from humble beginnings and found their footing at Northern Essex Community College, which provided the foundation for everything that followed. I've seen firsthand how access to affordable education can change the trajectory of a family for generations. I applaud Governor Ayotte for her leadership in recognizing the tremendous value of our community colleges and putting forward a proposal that will open doors of opportunity for more Granite Staters. This is an investment not only in our students, but in the future of New Hampshire."

Developed with input from CCSNH, the Governor's proposal would cover remaining tuition costs after federal and state financial aid is applied. The program would not cover fees. Both new and current students would be eligible to participate beginning in the Fall 2027 semester, provided they meet the program's requirements.

Under the Governor's proposal, eligible students must:

• 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;
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all federal financial aid eligibility requirements;
• Utilize all eligible state and federal grant funding, with the Promise Program covering the remaining tuition balance;
• Enroll in at least six credits per semester as a matriculated student; and
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and meet federal satisfactory academic progress standards.