Getting your degree doesn’t mean burying yourself in student debt.
Admissions
Director Steve Gorman shares his quick tips on ways to cover the cost of tuition and fees.
New Hampshire has the highest average student debt in the nation at $39,950 at graduation*. It doesn’t have to be this way. Incorporating community college into your educational plans and taking advantage of these alternatives to student loans can help you borrow less (or not at all) while allowing you to meet your educational and career goals.
Federal Student Aid – this can more than just loans. Grants and work study may be available depending on your situation.
Scholarships– both internal (GBCC) and external scholarships are available. Some are tied to financial need, some are based on merit, and some are based on your program of study. One great example is the NH Charitable Foundation who awards more than $7 million to more than 1,600 students each year.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement – in this tight labor market, many employers will reimburse their workers who complete college classes. In addition to building employer skills, tuition reimbursement for them serves as a recruiting and retention tool.
State Assistance – programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through the NH Department of Employment Security can help eligible residents with up to $6,500 of tuition assistance towards completion of short-term certificate programs at GBCC. There’s a wide range of criteria used to determine eligibility, so it’s worth the time to find out if you are eligible for these programs.
MOST IMPORTANTLY – attend a local community college like GBCC to keep tuition and living costs down. Many of our students attend GBCC for a year or two and then transfer into 4-year colleges like UNH, saving thousands in education and room/board expenses. You don’t have to pay back what you don’t borrow…
Ready to learn more? We are here to help! To get started: Contact GBCC Admissions. For specific information on Federal Student Aid and Scholarships: Contact GBCC Financial Aid Department.
