FAQ
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BFA Admissions
Continuing Education
Financial Aid
Housing
Student Activities/Resources
Tuition and Payments
BFA Admissions
What is your student to teacher ratio?
10 to 1
Will a recruiter come to my school?
Recruiters visit high schools throughout the academic year. Contact the admissions office to find out if a recruiter visits your school.
What kind of computer should I buy?
The Institute does not require students to purchase computers, however, if you plan on purchasing a computer, we recommend a MAC. Most students prefer a laptop and are used mostly for internet research and communication as well as writing papers. Please note: once a BFA student enters their senior year they are given a brand new Mac Book Pro to keep, as part of the professional artists class.
What is your application deadline?
The Institute has a rolling admissions policy. Applicants can apply at any point in time. The Institute also offers Priority Acceptance to high school seniors who would like to attend the Institute as their first choice college. The deadline for this opportunity is December 6, 2010.
Is there campus parking available to students?
The Institute campus offers a variety of parking lots for faculty, students and staff. Students must obtain a parking sticker once every year. Please note that this sticker does not guarantee parking in Institute lots, it is used for monitoring purposes only.
Where can a student get a job while on campus?
A variety of student jobs are available on campus, either through the Work Study program or through departmental job opportunities. Work Study positions are managed by the Financial Aid Office. Departmental job opportunities are sent via email to the student population.
What do I need for my portfolio?
Portfolio requirements can be found under Application Information in the Admissions section.
Are you accredited?
Yes, the Institute is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and is a candidate for accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The State Department of Education also approves the Art Education Certification Program.
Do you accept transfer credits?
Yes, transfer credits are processed and accepted on an individual basis.
Is Manchester safe?
The Institute is a safe campus. There is a Shuttle service available to all students in the evenings, which students can access at any dorm, or academic building. Access to the dorms is controlled by a keycard access system. All dorms are monitored in the evenings by the Resident Assistants or Resident Directors. All other campus facilities are locked and unlocked daily according to established schedules.
What other states can I teach in with your Art Ed Certification?
See the reciprocity chart in the Art Education Program section.
Continuing Education
Where do I find the CE Course Schedule online?
To download the course schedule go to Programs and click Continuing Education. The Course Schedule is available on the Continuing Education landing page.
Where do I find the Certificate Catalog online?
To download a Certificate Catalog go to Programs and click on Certificate Program. The catalog and application form can be found on the Certificate Program landing page.
How can I receive more information about Continuing Education and/or the Certificate Program?
You may request more information by clicking on Continuing Education or Certificate Program and completing an Request More Information form. Or, you may call 603-836-2515 to be added to the mailing list.
Both programs can be found by going to Programs on our homepage. Click on the program you are interested in and download a copy of the most recent brochure and registration form.
Where do I get a transcript?
You may request a transcript by going to Resources on the homepage and then to Registrar. Forms may be downloaded.
Why can't we register online?
Registration online is currently unavailable at this time. We are working to include online Continuing Education and Certificate registration. Stay tuned!
Financial Aid
How to apply for financial aid?
Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete the online form. This is a free application for federal financial aid.
How do I apply for institutional scholarships?
Students who apply for admission to the Institute are automatically considered for all merit scholarships for which they may be eligible. Need-based scholarship eligibilty is based on results from the FAFSA application. Returning students may be considered for merit scholarships after March 1st each year. Students are notified of the application process through campus email.
How long will it take to determine my eligibility?
Financial aid can take several weeks to process. Be sure to supply any requested documents (taxes, household information) in a timely manner.
How can I shop for PLUS and private alternative loans to cover the gap between my institutional and federal aid?
Visit www.simpletuition.com for loan programs.
Housing
Can my friend and I request to be roommates?
Absolutely. If two students know that they want to be roommates, they must both indicate this on the housing deposit form. Roommates, however are required to be same-sex.
What happens if my roommate and I aren't compatible? Can I have a fridge in my room? Can I have a pet?
Roommate conflicts can be stressful and evolve around many issues. When conflicts cannot be resloved between the disagreeing parties, the Student Services Office staff can help mediate. Resident Assistants or the Resident Director can be mediators and help create an environment in which all parties can express the disagreement and work jointly to resolve the issue.
Yes you may but only refrigerators 35 inches in height (or less) and drawing no more than 1.5 amps of power are allowed.
Pets of any kind are not allowed on campus.
Student Activities/Resources
What is there to do in Manchester?
There are many local restaurants in the downtown area along with the Verizon Wireless Arena which hosts concerts and shows. In addition, Manchester has a fairly large mall. Many students take pleasure in bowling, going to the movies, and other various student run actitivities on campus.
What happens at the Institute on the weekends? Do most resident students stay on campus?
Many resident students stay here for the weekend, either to participate in activities and events on campus or to explore and enjoy downtown Manchester. There's a wide variety of restaurants, a performance theater within walking distance and public transportation to the mall.
Can my friend and I request to be roommates?
Absolutely. If two students know that they want to be roommates, they must both indicate this on the housing deposit form.
As a freshman, do I have to live on campus?
Freshmen are not required to live on campus during their first year. However, 90% of freshmen decide to live on campus.
Do I need to bring a computer with me?
No. Students don't need to bring computers to campus. The Institute has a computer lab that students can access during the day and evening. Also, computers can be found in other areas outside of the lab, such as the library and writing studio.
Can freshmen have cars?
Parking is a universal issue for all institutions. Parking is limited and is available on a first come first served basis in all three parking lots. Because parking is limited we strongly discourage students to bring their cars. Our priority in regards to parking is to be able to award parking spots on campus for commuters, faculty and staff.
How safe is the campus?
The Institute is a safe campus. There is a Shuttle service available to all students in the evenings, which students can access at any dorm, or academic building. Access to the dorms is controlled by a keycard access system. All dorms are monitored in the evenings by the Resident Assistants or Resident Directors. All other campus facilities are locked and unlocked daily according to established schedules.
What student groups and/or activities are available?
There are many different groups on campus. The Gaming Club meets weekly to play different board, card, video and miniature games. You could join the Recycling Committee to help the Institute be green, or join Student Council to help create, plan and host numerous activities throughout the year. These activities include Concerts, Poetry Nights, Dances, Student Sales and our annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. If you didn't see a group that you wanted to join then you can start your own. The process is very easy; just stop by the Office of Student Services to get started.
How does a student get home after a late night in the studios?
You may hop aboard the Institute Shuttle, which makes nightly runs to each academic building and dormitory. Or, you may hoof it to your final destination, as each building is within a three-block radius in downtown Manchester.
What happens if I get sick?
The Institute does not operate a Health Clinic on campus, but has established relationships with a number of local health care providers. When a student has a problem, they can contact the Director of Student Services who will suggest health care providers in the area. Please refer to the student handbook, there the students will be able to contact the providers directly.
What accommodations do you have for students with special needs?
It is the policy of the New Hampshire Institute of Art to make every effort, when possible and practical, to accommodate the needs of students with documented disabilities. If you have a special need, please seek out the Director of Student Services.
What travel abroad opportunities are there?
The Institute is committed to providing the opportunity for students to study abroad during their four years as an undergraduate. The Institute is able to offer several excellent opportunities through accredited colleges that include programs in Italy, France, Greece, and England. Information is also available on the many summer study abroad programs as well.
Are there opportunities for community service?
Yes. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available to all students. At the Institute we encourage students to participate in community service projects. Many students become involved on and off-campus through programs such as the Recycling Committee and Student Council.
Tuition and Payments
How much is full time tuition?
Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $15,400 without applied fees or residential cost. A student is considered full time when he/she enrolls in 12 or more credits.
How much is part time tuition?
Part-time tuition is based on the number of course credits for which the student is enrolled. The 2009-2010 3-credit course cost is $1,542 without applied fees. A student should consult with the Admissions Office or their Advisor to determine the number of courses per semester that best suites their educational goals.
What are the fees?
Registration: This is a flat fee assessed each semester when a student enrolls in a course(s). It covers the cost to process the student's registration in his/her classes.
Student Activity: This is a flat fee assessed each semester to all enrolled students. It covers the cost of activities made available to him/her during the semester.
Technology Fee: This is a flat fee assessed each semester when a student enrolls in a course(s). This covers the access and usage of library online resources, computer labs, wireless access and other technology related campus items.
Supplemental Lab Fee: This is a flat fee assessed to Illustration and Photography concentration students because of the additional lab time required to complete their courses.
Studio Fee: This is a fee assessed each semester when a student enrolls in a course(s). This fee covers the cost for models, easels, clay, firing, etc. Full time students are assessed a flat fee, part time students are assessed a fee for each studio class they are attending.
Housing: This is a fee assessed each semester to students who reside in the dorm.
Housing Damage Deposit: This is a flat fee assessed only once during the academic year to residential students. The Institute holds these funds until the end of the academic year. Any damages to campus property found to be the responsibility of the student will be deducted from the deposit and the balance is mailed to the student.
Health Insurance: Full time students are required to have health insurance coverage. The Institute has contracted with an outside source to provide health insurance. Full time students will be automatically assessed a fee for the health insurance. Students must complete a Health Insurance Selection Card indicating if they will or will not participate in the group plan and return it to the Institute by the stated deadline to waive the fee. A student who fails to return the card by the stated deadline will be responsible to pay the charge. Part time students, spouses and children of students may purchase insurance.
What happens to my Enrollment & Housing Deposit?
The Admission Department collects a $200 Enrollment Deposit from newly accepted BFA students. Admissions and Student Services also collect a $200 Housing Deposit from new and returning students who will reside in dorms for the upcoming semester. The Institute holds these funds until the charges are assessed. The funds are then transferred to the student's account to offset their charges.
When will I receive my bill - Student Statement?
The student's bill (Student Statement) is mailed to the student as soon as the charges are assessed. Payment is due by the date indicated on the top right side of the statement.
How do I read my Student Statement?
The statement will list the charges assessed to the student. The enrollment & housing deposit will be deducted. Any payments received will also be deducted. The student's financial aid package (scholarships & loans) will be listed below. If the amount is considered VERIFIED, it will be subtracted from the Amount Due on the bottom right side of the statement. If the amount is considered PENDING, it will not be subtracted from the Amount Due.
Why is the statement in the Student's name rather than the parent? Who is responsible for the bill?
The student is responsible for their educational expenses; therefore, statements are mailed to the student. Due to FERPA Regulation (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act) the Institute is unable to discuss the student's financial information to a third party unless the student has provided authorization.
How do I pay?
The Institute accepts payment by cash, check, and credit card for the amount not covered by financial aid.
Does the Institute have a payment plan?
The Institute has also partnered with Tuition Management Systems (TMS) to provide the student/parent with the option to make payments through a payment plan. A ten-month plan (July - April) and a 9-month plan (August - April) are offered for the full academic year. A five-month plan is offered for a single semester, July - November (fall semester) & December - April (spring semester). A twelve-month plan is also offered for reenrolling TMS Payment Plan students.
The Amount Due on the Student Statement is a credit balance. Why can't I have the money now?
A Student Statement will indicate the amount of financial aid a student will be receiving for the semester. If the amount is considered VERIFIED, it will be subtracted from the Amount Due on the bottom right side of the statement and may create a credit balance. When the Institute receives the funds, a check will be sent to the student or parent within 14 days of posting.
Can I leave excess financial aid funds on my account to be applied to the next semester?
In order to comply with federal regulations, the Institute is required to make any excess financial aid available to a student in a timely manner. The Institute can only apply excess funds to the next semester if the student provides written authorization to the Bursar's Office.
What happens if I withdraw from a course or from the Institute?
If a student withdraws from a course or courses but is still enrolled in 12 credits to 15 credits, there is no change in the students' charges. If a full- or part-time student withdraws from a course or courses and he/she is enrolled for less than 12 credits, the charges will be adjusted according to the Institute's refund policy.
