The Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship program provides financial assistance for qualified University of Hawai‘i Community College students. Hawai‘i Promise covers direct education costs—including tuition, fees, and an allowance for books and supplies.

Hawai‘i Promise is a “last dollar” scholarship meaning that it covers financial needs not met by other forms of financial aid such as federal grants and scholarships from UH, employers and other private sources. The program is funded annually by UH and the State of Hawai‘i and was established by state leaders through appropriations starting in the 2017 legislative session.

In SY 2021-22, more than 2,200 students from seven UH Community Colleges statewide benefitted from almost $5 million in Hawaiʻi Promise scholarships.

Students are considered for Hawai‘i Promise when they submit their FAFSA application to determine their unmet need and maintain standards of academic progress as defined by the Federal Title IV (financial aid) programs. Students must qualify for Hawai‘i resident tuition (or qualify for exempt status that pays in-state tuition) and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a UH community college for at least six credits per semester. Awards are included in students’ financial aid packages issued by their college and are contingent upon funding and amounts based upon enrollment level, financial need, and other financial resources.

Quick Links

UH Financial Aid Website

In the News

Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship provides free tuition, more for community college, UH News, March 2022
Hawai‘i Promise helps hundreds with financial hurdles, UH News, July 2021
Expanded scholarship could help thousands of local students, UH News, February 2020
New law expands Hawaiʻi Promise scholarships for UH Community College students, UH News, June 2018
Last dollar scholarships to UH Community College students fulfill promise, UH News, August 2017
State leaders fulfill Hawai‘i Promise, UH News, April 2017
Hawaiʻi Promise: Free community college proposed for students with financial need, UH News, January 2017