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.

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.

Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.

Official program information and application