pierce promise

Eligible students must be first-time, full-time undergraduate students whose household earnings are under $80,000 may qualify, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Students must also file the FAFSA each year by the published deadline and remain in good academic standing.

No separate application is required. All admitted students are automatically considered once they file the 2026-27 FAFSA.

The Pierce Promise Program covers the full cost of tuition and fees through a combination of federal and state grants plus institutional grants and scholarships.

To be eligible for the Pierce Promise, students must:

• Apply and be admitted to Franklin Pierce University for the 2026 - 2027 academic year.  
• Be a full-time, first-time undergraduate student enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester at our Rindge, NH campus.
• Be a full-time resident of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Vermont.
• Live on the Rindge Campus. 
• Earn a 3.0 or higher high school cumulative GPA.
• File the 2026 - 2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and demonstrate a household gross income of under $80,000.

Tuition and fees are covered through a combination of federal and state grants (such as the Federal Pell Grant) plus Pierce’s institutional scholarships and grants. Together, these add up to ensure full tuition and fee costs are met.

Yes.  Pierce Promise is for new undergraduate students residing on the Franklin Pierce Rindge, NH campus only.  

YES! Provided your family’s AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) reported on subsequent FAFSA’s  remains under $80,000, the Pierce Promise Program will cover tuition and fees for all four years of attendance at Franklin Pierce University providing you maintain a 2.0 CGPA.

If your AGI changes over time, reach out to Student Financial Services to discuss your change in circumstances.  

Pierce Promise will cover all tuition and fees, even if they increase, as long as the qualifiers are met

The Pierce Promise award funding is for eight (8) semesters total. Students enrolled beyond eight (8) semesters should reach out to Student Financial Services for more information.

No. The Pierce Promise program funds fall and spring semesters only.

No. The program is available only to first-time, full-time bachelor’s seeking undergraduate students attending and residing on the Franklin Pierce University Rindge, NH campus.  

Yes. For eligible students, tuition and fees are covered. Students will need to pay for room, meals, books and other supplies. The average cost to live on campus with a full meal plan for a freshman residential student is $18,000. Books and supplies vary, but students should plan to spend $1,100 per year. In addition, personal and transportation costs average $1,000 per year.

YES! Your federal loan may be applied to your room, meal and book expenses.

YES! Any private scholarship or grant may be applied to your room, meal and book expenses.

Current students are not eligible as this initiative begins with Fall 2026 incoming students.

No. The Pierce Promise Program applies only to domestic students.