Hawaiʻi Promise is a need-based grant for eligible Hawaiʻi residents enrolled at least half time in academic programs at University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. It can help with direct education costs—tuition, fees, and a standard books-and-supplies allowance—based on FAFSA and available aid. It is not a universal award at every UH four-year campus; the pathway is limited to the community-college system.
A major change came with Act 235, signed in July 2026: the program removes its last-dollar restriction and the state may continue covering up to 95% of tuition, allowing some outside scholarships to help with housing, food, or transportation. The effect depends on implementation rules and an individual award package. Older descriptions that subtract every outside scholarship may therefore be outdated for the new cycle.
FAFSA is used to determine need, and students should complete the UH Common Scholarship Application when required by their campus. The university recommends preparing applications early for the next academic year; forms, deadlines, and award figures should be confirmed with the receiving community college’s financial-aid office. Ask whether a minimum credit load applies, because the award may be prorated based on enrollment intensity and adjusted to actual credits.
Living costs in the islands can exceed tuition, and Hawaiʻi Promise is not a full housing scholarship. Review fees, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses separately; confirm eligible campuses and programs and whether the award renews term by term. In 2026, ask the system office how Act 235 applies to your file before accepting other awards or planning money for basic needs.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship — University of Hawaiʻi System.
Act 235 expands Hawaiʻi Promise — University of Hawaiʻi System News.
Hawaiʻi CC financial-aid types — Hawaiʻi Community College.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
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Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship
Hawaiʻi Promise is a need-based grant for eligible Hawaiʻi residents enrolled at least half time in academic programs at University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. It can help with direct education costs—tuition, fees, and a standard books-and-supplies allowance—based on FAFSA and available aid. It is not a universal award at every UH four-year campus; the pathway is limited to the community-college system.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi System · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi System News · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Hawaiʻi Community College · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi System · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi System News · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Hawaiʻi Community College · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.