Hawaiʻi Promise is a state grant for residents enrolled at one of the seven University of Hawaiʻi Community College campuses. It is designed to address gaps in direct educational costs based on need, enrollment, and other resources. It is not a loan and generally does not have to be repaid when eligibility is maintained. It can support tuition, fees, and books, while recent law allows other aid to remain available for basic needs.
The system guide requires Hawaiʻi residency for in-state tuition, enrollment in a financial-aid-eligible degree program, at least six credits per semester, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students file FAFSA for a need assessment, and the system recommends applying by the March 1 priority date. The campus confirms program eligibility and calculates the award using tuition and available resources.
In July 2026, the University of Hawaiʻi reported that Act 235 removed the program’s last-dollar restriction, helping students preserve outside scholarships and Pell for costs such as housing, food, and transportation; the law allows the state to cover up to 95% of tuition. This does not mean every student receives 95% in cash: an individual amount remains subject to need, credits, funds, and campus calculation.
The system reports that 1,941 students received an average of $2,933 in 2024–25 and that more than 11,900 people had been served since 2017. These are historical outcomes, not a forecast for the current cycle. Recent law changes how resources are coordinated, so read the legislative update alongside current application guidance and request a personalized 2026–27 estimate from the campus.
To apply, file FAFSA, seek admission to one of the seven community colleges, and enroll in courses that count toward the program. The system offers free FAFSA assistance and lists financial-aid offices at Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, Kapiʻolani, Kauaʻi, Leeward, Maui, and Windward. Ask about residency verification, census dates, renewal, and the order in which Pell, outside scholarships, and Promise post to the account.
This support can be especially relevant in a high-cost state, but the program is defined around direct educational expenses and its amount depends on other resources. Request an offer separating tuition, fees, books, housing, and transportation, especially if you have a private scholarship or veterans’ benefits. If the bill does not match the offer, request review before borrowing and ask how reducing credits or leaving the campus affects aid.
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 Program — University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.
New law strengthens Hawaiʻi Promise — University of Hawaiʻi News.
Financial Aid — University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.
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.
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Hawaiʻi Promise Program
Hawaiʻi Promise is a state grant for residents enrolled at one of the seven University of Hawaiʻi Community College campuses. It is designed to address gaps in direct educational costs based on need, enrollment, and other resources. It is not a loan and generally does not have to be repaid when eligibility is maintained. It can support tuition, fees, and books, while recent law allows other aid to remain available for basic needs.
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 Community Colleges · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi News · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges · 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 Community Colleges · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Hawaiʻi Promise Program ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi News · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Hawaiʻi Promise Program ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges · 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.