Opening Thoughts
Hawaii’s public universities, including the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) and University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo), offer a variety of financial aid options to make higher education more accessible. This guide explores the federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs available to students attending Hawaii’s public universities and offers tips on how to maximize your aid package.
Federal Financial Aid Programs
To access federal financial aid, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This opens up several options, including:
• Pell Grants: A need-based grant that doesn’t require repayment, making it an ideal option for students with financial need.
• Federal Work-Study: Provides part-time employment opportunities on or off-campus, allowing students to earn money to cover educational expenses.
• Federal Student Loans: Offers low-interest subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are particularly beneficial, as the government pays the interest while you’re in school.Pro Tip: Submit the FAFSA as early as possible, starting October 1st, to improve your chances of receiving grants and work-study funds.
State-Specific Financial Aid in Hawaii
Hawaii provides several state-funded financial aid programs for residents attending public universities:
- Hawaii State Scholarship
The Hawaii State Scholarship is designed to support local students with financial need and help them pursue higher education at in-state public universities.
• Eligibility: Must be a Hawaii resident, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA, and enroll in a degree-seeking program.
• Award Amount: Varies depending on financial need and available funding.- Hawaii Promise Program
The Hawaii Promise Program offers last-dollar scholarships to cover tuition and fees for eligible University of Hawaii Community College students. It can also provide a pathway for transferring to four-year public universities in Hawaii.
• Eligibility: Must be a Hawaii resident, complete the FAFSA, and enroll in a UH Community College with plans to transfer to a four-year university.
• Award Amount: Covers tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses not covered by other financial aid.- Hawaii B+ Scholarship
This scholarship supports Hawaii high school graduates who have demonstrated academic excellence.
• Eligibility: Must be a recent Hawaii high school graduate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, completed a rigorous high school curriculum, and demonstrate financial need.
• Award Amount: Provides up to $2,000 annually for use at any University of Hawaii campus.Institutional Scholarships at Hawaii’s Public Universities
Public universities in Hawaii offer a variety of institutional scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other factors:
• University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa): Offers scholarships like the Regents Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship for students with outstanding academic records.
• University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo): Provides scholarships such as the UH Hilo Merit Scholarship and Hawaii Island Scholarship for students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.Tip: Visit each university’s financial aid website for a complete list of scholarships, grants, and application deadlines.
Tips to Maximize Financial Aid
• Apply Early: Complete the FAFSA and Hawaii-specific scholarship applications as soon as possible to improve your chances of securing limited funds.
• Explore Local Scholarships: Many Hawaii-based organizations, community groups, and businesses offer scholarships to residents attending public universities.
• Maintain a Strong GPA: Many scholarships and aid programs require a certain GPA for eligibility, so focus on academic success to maximize your aid opportunities.Relevant Links/Sources:
• Federal Student Aid - FAFSA
• University of Hawaii - Financial Aid
• Hawaii Promise Program