Press Release
New Hampshire Lawmaker Raises Concerns Over International Student Enrollment at UNH
MANCHESTER, N.H. — State Representative Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) has voiced concerns that New Hampshire students are losing opportunities at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to international students. Sweeney claims to have uncovered data indicating that 2,450 New Hampshire residents received denial letters from UNH over the past four years. He argues that DACA students are being encouraged to apply, suggesting a preference for international students at the expense of local residents.
Sweeney stated, “New Hampshire families, whose taxpayer dollars fund the university, are being shown the door. That’s just not right.”
In response, UNH officials defended their admissions process, stating that over 85% of New Hampshire applicants are accepted. They emphasized that rejections are primarily due to academic preparedness, not a prioritization of international students. “The last thing we want is for unprepared students to incur debt,” stated a university representative.
Current UNH students expressed mixed views, with some emphasizing the contributions of international peers. Senior Mackenzie Akbarieh noted the positive impact of international teaching assistants, while junior Katie Palmateer remarked, “If students are prepared for the academic rigor, they should have just as much of a chance.”
Critics, including state Rep. Laura Telerski (D-Nashua), described the controversy as a distraction, asserting the importance of diverse perspectives in higher education. The university has not disclosed the current number of international students enrolled.
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