University System of New Hampshire Increases Access to College by Expanding Eligibility of the Affordable College Effort (ACE)

Effort could double or triple the number of eligible students at the University of NH, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College

December 15, 2006 – LEE, NH – As a way to assist more New Hampshire residents with the cost of college, the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) is planning two major changes in eligibility criteria for its grant program, the Affordable College Effort (ACE). First, more individuals will be eligible for ACE Awards because of a change in the allowable level of the parents’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Second, for the fall of 2007, eligibility for ACE Awards will expand through the sophomore year of college, and if funding is available the junior year will be covered beginning in the fall of 2008.

The ACE Awards were established in late 2005 to help New Hampshire residents attending a USNH institution as a full time freshman within one year of graduating from high school and for which the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is zero. The program assisted about 75 incoming freshmen in the fall of 2006 by providing them with awards of about $4,625.

For the spring semester of 2007, freshmen with an EFC of under $1,000 will be eligible for an ACE Award. In the fall of 2007, both freshmen and sophomores that meet all eligibility criteria will be eligible, and in the fall of 2008, the program will serve eligible freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Given the change in EFC, the number of eligible participants could double to about 150 in the spring of 2007. In the fall of 2007, it is estimated that about 250 students will receive ACE Awards.

Expansions proposed for the fall of 2008 are dependent on the level of funding appropriated by the State Legislature to USNH for the 2008-09 biennium and approval of the university system budget by the USNH Board of Trustees in June 2007.

"Affordable access to quality education is our paramount concern and our Board of Trustees is committed to efforts that help lower barriers to college attendance," said Stephen Reno, chancellor of the University System.  "The eligibility changes to the Affordable College Effort will enable a greater number of students to receive these grants and an expansion beyond the freshmen year should reduce students’ potential debt upon graduation and provide additional incentive to earn their degree."

Students who receive an ACE Award will incur no loan debt for meeting the direct costs of education, provided that they have met all information submission deadlines.  Direct (or billed) costs include tuition and standard fees, as well as standard campus housing and meal plans. ACE Awards assist eligible students who enroll at one of the residential USNH institutions, which include the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College. 

Type of Expense	Tuition	Fees	Room & Board	Books	Spending $, laundry, incidentals, etc.
Direct (billed)
Indirect (out of pocket)

The concept behind the Affordable College Effort was part of the Governor’s proposed budget for FY05-07 and was included in the budget passed by the Legislature in June 2005. 

Students and parents who are interested in learning more about their eligibility should contact the financial aid offices at USNH institutions. Eligibility for the ACE Award mirrors the financial requirements for receiving the maximum federal Pell Grant. There will not be any partial ACE awards granted for individuals who come from families where the EFC is $1,000 or more and are still eligible for a partial Pell Grant. Students apply for not only Pell Grants but all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs (except scholarships) by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must submit all information in accordance with stated deadlines. The paper FAFSA is available from high school guidance offices, or the form may be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA must be submitted within the schedule established by the respective institutions, generally March 1st of each year. By filing the FAFSA, students will automatically be considered for an ACE Award. There is no separate application.