Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship
State of Hawaiʻi, administered by the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges
State-funded "last-dollar" aid that covers the direct college costs (tuition, fees, books) other grants leave unpaid for Hawaiʻi residents at any of the seven UH Community Colleges.
- How much
- Covers unmet direct educational costs (tuition, fees, books and supplies) after other grants; amount depends on funding, need and credits
- Who qualifies
- Must qualify for Hawaiʻi resident (in-state) tuition; file the FAFSA and accept all federal and state gift aid; enroll in 6+ credits per semester in a degree or certificate program at a UH Community College (campus pages say at least 1 credit at the home college); maintain satisfactory academic progress (about a 2.0 GPA); have unmet direct-cost need.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due March 1, 2027 Annual; no separate application. File the FAFSA by the UH Community Colleges' financial aid priority deadline of March 1 for first consideration for the next academic year.
- How to apply
- 1) File the FAFSA (the financial aid priority deadline is March 1 for first consideration)
- 2) Apply to and enroll at a UH Community College in at least 6 credits per semester in a degree or certificate program that accepts financial aid
- 3) Accept all federal and state grants and scholarships offered to you
- Hawaiʻi Promise is added automatically to cover what's left
- For FAFSA help, email FAFSA@hawaii.edu
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (uhcc.hawaii.edu), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Hawaiʻi Promise is a need-based, last-dollar program for Hawaiʻi residents in a degree or certificate program at a University of Hawaiʻi Community College (Hawaiʻi CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, UH Maui College, Windward CC). After federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships are applied, it covers the remaining 'direct cost need': tuition, fees, books and supplies (some campus pages also include a standard transportation allowance). You don't apply separately: you are considered when you file the FAFSA, and the award is part of your college's financial aid package. Award amounts depend on funding, financial need, enrollment level and your other aid. UHCC says that in 2024-25, $5.5 million went to 1,941 students (average award $2,933). Renewal: you are re-considered each year you file the FAFSA, stay enrolled in 6+ credits and keep satisfactory academic progress (e.g. a 2.0 GPA).
More money from Hawaii
- State of Hawaiʻi B Plus ScholarshipUp to $2,000 (per UH Mānoa); renewable up to four years, depending on funding
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.