The University of Hawaii and the State of Hawaii have contributed $5 million this year for the Hawaii Promise Scholarship, according to a news release.  

What You Need To Know

  • Hawaii Promise serves students at UH’s seven community colleges

  • Students do not apply for the scholarship, instead the scholarship is granted to students who qualified for federal financial aid after completing a FAFSA form

  • Students enrolled in the upcoming fall semester should complete the FAFSA by July 1

  • The scholarship is meant to help cover financial needs not met by other forms of financial aid

Last year, $3.8 million was awarded through the scholarship program. This year’s $5 million commitment is the highest amount since the program started in 2017.

Hawaii Promise serves students at UH’s seven community colleges. Earlier this year, UH asked the 2024 State Legislature to add $19 million a year to its budget to expand its scholarship program to UH Manoa, UH Hilo and UH West Oahu. However, it was not funded this session, but the State Legislature expanded the funding for the community colleges, which is why there are additional funds this year. 

Students do not apply for the scholarship, instead the scholarship is granted to students who qualified for federal financial aid after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students enrolled in the upcoming fall semester should complete the FAFSA by July 1. The scholarship is meant to help cover financial needs not met by other forms of financial aid. 

“We are committed to making higher education accessible for all,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the UH Community Colleges, in a statement. “The Hawaii Promise Scholarship is our promise to Hawaii residents that cost should not be a barrier to attend our seven amazing community college campuses.”

Attending UH Community Colleges costs about $3,200 a year for tuition and fees. This is less than the national average, which is $3,990, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. 

Last fiscal year, 1,774 students at UH’s community colleges benefited from the Hawaii Promise Scholarship. The average scholarship award was $2,142 per student. These funds cover tuition, books and fees. 

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