A new bill introduced in New Hampshire could soon require all public college students to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Civics Naturalization Test in order to graduate. This move is part of a growing effort to improve civics education across the United States, ensuring that graduates have a fundamental understanding of US government and history.
Sponsored by State Rep. Michael Moffett, a Republican from Loudon, the bill targets students within the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), which includes schools like the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Keene State College, and Plymouth State University. Moffett, who has worked in higher education for over 30 years, believes that many students lack a basic understanding of civics, making this requirement necessary to address the growing gap in civic knowledge.
Civics knowledge for all graduates
The proposed bill would mandate that students take and pass the same civics test immigrants must pass to gain US citizenship. The test includes 100 questions covering topics such as the Constitution, key historical events, and the structure of the US government. If the bill is passed, students who have already met the civics requirement in high school would not need to retake the test. However, those who have not completed this requirement—such as older students or out-of-state students—would have to pass it as a condition for graduation.
The idea of using the USCIS test is not new. South Dakota implemented a similar policy in 2021, and Moffett argues that New Hampshire should follow suit to ensure all college graduates possess essential knowledge about their country’s democratic system. As quoted by the New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), Moffett stated, “The requirement is an excellent tool to establish a solid, common, fundamental foundation” in civics.
Impact on students and costs
While the bill aims to boost civic awareness, it comes with potential costs for universities. According to estimates from USNH and CCSNH, the legislation could increase operational expenses by $100,000 to $500,000 annually. These costs would cover purchasing software to administer the test and hiring personnel to oversee the process.
Although the bill is still under consideration, it highlights a broader trend in US education toward strengthening civics education at all levels. Advocates argue that in an era of growing political polarization, an informed citizenry is more important than ever.
If passed, New Hampshire could set a precedent for other states to adopt similar measures in an effort to make civics education a cornerstone of higher education.
