Hawai'i Promise Scholarship

Record $5.5M for Hawai‘i Promise scholarships at UH Community Colleges

View the article in UH News

Maria Reyes, Kapi‘olani CC

"This scholarship helped me achieve my goals by reducing the financial burden so many students in Hawai‘i face as inflation and the cost of living soars. My tuition is one less thing I have to worry about while working towards a financially stable future. I am so grateful for the scholarship and the opportunities allotted to me."

dianna

michael

Michael Amado, Former Kapi‘olani CC student, current UH Mānoa student

"The Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship was incredibly helpful for me in continuing my college education and transferring from Kapi‘olani CC to UH Mānoa. The scholarship not only helped with living expenses but also allowed me not to have to work as many hours so I could devote more time to my studies. …the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship is a shining light for students who want a better future for themselves and their families."

Christina Faye, UH Maui College

“After losing my home along with my hometown in the Lahāina wildfire, the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship has helped me get back on my feet by supporting me financially and not having me worry too much about spending my whole paycheck on my tuition.”

christina

Our Promise: 100% of Your Financial Need Met – Making the UH Community Colleges affordable for all.

“The Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship has provided me with financial aid that saved me so much money. Being a full-time student with two part-time jobs, I didn’t have to worry about my tuition and I was still able to study what I wanted to do. It has helped me pay for my books, supplies [and] classes.”
-Kevin-Clark Labador, Leeward Community College

Attending a UH Community College should be within everyone's reach. With the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship, we ensure that cost won't be a barrier. Qualified students will have 100% of their financial need covered.

For eligible students, the Hawai'i Promise scholarship provides money from UH and the State of Hawai'i to cover direct education costs — including tuition, fees, and an allowance for books and supplies — that are not met by other forms of financial aid.

In fiscal year 2023, almost $3.8 million was awarded to 1,774 eligible students across the seven UH Community Colleges. The average award per student was $2,142, covering direct education costs such as tuition, books and fees. Since its inception in 2017, the Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship has served 8,643 UH students.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    For free assistance in completing the FAFSA please contact us at FAFSA@hawaii.edu.
  2. Be a State of Hawai‘i resident or qualify for exempt status that pays in-state tuition.
  3. Be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester at a UH Community College
  4. Be degree-seeking in a financial aid eligible program.
  5. Must accept all federal and state grants, scholarships, and any other funding sources that do not require repayment
  6. Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the financial aid policies and federal regulations
  7. Not have already achieved an undergraduate degree

Awards are contingent upon funding and amounts are based upon enrollment level, financial need, and other financial resources.

Need money for college? Use this quick guide to apply for financial aid.

For more information about your Hawai’i Promise Scholarship, or if you have any questions about the financial aid process, please contact the Financial Aid Office at the community college you are enrolled in.

Please email UH Community Colleges or share your experience with us via the form below.