Hawaiʻi Promise is need-based grant aid coordinated by the seven University of Hawaiʻi community colleges. It is designed to help residents pursue a certificate or associate degree without the direct tuition bill becoming a barrier; the amount is determined after financial-aid review.
UHCC guidance requires Hawaiʻi residency and in-state tuition eligibility, an approved degree-seeking program, FAFSA, and at least six credits per term. Some noncitizen-resident pathways depend on applicable federal or state policy. Act 235 of 2026 changed the program design; do not carry old-year brochure rules forward.
There is no fixed check guaranteed to everyone. The college calculates aid based on need and available resources, and each campus publishes FAFSA and priority guidance. UH reported that the new law removes the last-dollar restriction while state funding continues at up to 95% of tuition; Pell or private scholarships may help with other costs depending on the individual package.
File FAFSA as soon as it opens, include your campus code, and ask financial aid about local forms and the cycle. UHCC lists March 1 as the 2026–27 priority date; it has passed. Ask for review even if late because funding is budget-dependent, and check minimum credits, renewal GPA, and approved programs at your campus.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Hawaiʻi Promise — University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.
New law strengthens Hawaiʻi Promise — University of Hawaiʻi News.
UHCC financial aid — University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
Confirm post-Act 235 rules with your campus: older materials may describe the former last-dollar model.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Hawaiʻi Promise
Grant determined after FAFSA and other aid; generally at least six credits, subject to need and state funding.
State student financial-aid program
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges (UHCC), financial-aid offices
The college calculates the award and applies the law change to the individual package; do not use historical averages to predict the amount.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi News · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Hawaiʻi Promise ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi News · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges (UHCC), financial-aid offices ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi News · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges (UHCC), financial-aid offices ↗
Primary source
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.