University of Hawaii Financial Aid Infomation

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The university system awards more than $16 million in institutional scholarship assistance. Financial aid awards are also funded by the U.S. government, the State of Hawai‘i, corporate entities and private people.

Where to Begin
Most campus financial aid programs require students to begin by filling out the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you fill this form out online, you can prevent errors and save time.

Once you have been accepted into a University of Hawai‘i program, contact the financial aid office of the campus you will be attending to find out what additional types of financial assistance may be available, and what the application procedures and deadlines are.

Scholarship Opportunities
Here are just some of the scholarship opportunities available at the University of Hawai‘i. Use the links and information on this page to find out more.

The Second Century Scholarship
The Second Century Scholarship is a need-based grant provided to Native Hawaiian students who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is available to students across the UH System beginning in fall 2008, and the amount awarded will depend on the student’s financial need and funds available. In 2008-09, $800,000 will be available, rising to $2.5 million in 2010-2011 and beyond. To be eligible, Native Hawaiian students need only apply for financial aid through their campus financial aid offices. All regular aid deadlines apply.

The Centennial Scholars Program
The Centennial Scholars Program celebrates the UH System’s centennial and provides an opportunity for the state’s brightest students to attend a UH campus. Beginning in fall 2007, all 10 UH campuses will provide a scholarship of $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) to qualified Hawai‘i residents. Find out more.

Regents and Presidential Scholarship
The Board of Regents established the Regents and Presidential Scholarships to support Hawai'i students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

Twenty Regents scholarships will be awarded every year to incoming first-year students. Each scholar will receive a full tuition scholarship and a stipend of $2,000 per semester, plus a one-time travel grant of up to $2,000. Scholars may be enrolled at any campus of the University of Hawai‘i.

Ten Presidential scholarships will be awarded every year to incoming juniors. Each scholar will receive a full tuition scholarship and a stipend of $2,000 per semester, plus a one-time travel grant of up to $2,000. Scholars may be enrolled at any baccalaureate campus of the University of Hawai‘i (UH Manoa, UH Hilo or UH West O‘ahu).

For more information, visit the Regents & Presidential Scholars website.

UH Manoa Chancellor’s Scholarship
The UH Manoa campus offers the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which gives Hawai‘i students who have both a 3.8 GPA and 1800 on the three–part SAT Reasoning Test (or the ACT equivalent) an additional $1,000 per year. To be eligible, student must meet the priority application deadline of February 1st. Contact the Manoa admissions office for details.

UH Hilo Chancellor’s Scholarship
The UH Hilo campus offers a competitive Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers full tuition for approximately 15 Hawai‘i students. Factors considered include academic scholarship, leadership experience and potential, community service and financial need. Download the application (164KB PDF) for more information. The deadline is January 31st.

UH West O‘ahu Chancellor’s Award
The University of Hawai‘i—West O‘ahu offers a competitive full tuition award acknowledging academic achievement, leadership, and community service for approximately 8 students. Visit uhwo.hawaii.edu/scholarship for more information.

The State of Hawai‘i B Plus Scholarship
Hawai‘i residents who newly graduate from a public high school with a rigorous high school diploma (which depends on year of graduation—download information), a GPA of 3.0 or better and have demonstated financial need are eligible for the State of Hawai‘i B Plus Scholarship. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and submitted.

UH Grants and Scholarships
The University of Hawai‘i offers various need–based and non–need–based scholarship assistance in the form of Opportunity Grants, Achievement Scholarships, International Student Scholarships, and Pacific Islander Scholarships. Criteria vary by campus and scholarship. Students should fill out the FAFSA and consult their campus’ financial aid office for more information.

Federal Financial Aid
The Federal government has a myriad of grants, scholarships, and loans available to qualified students who have financial need. These include Pell Grants, Work Study monies, Perkins and other loans, the Academic Competitiveness Grants, National SMART Grants, and others. The UH campus financial aid office will have more information. Students should fill out the FAFSA to be considered for any of these financial opportunities.

Note: Male citizens of the U.S. and male immigrant aliens 18 through 25 years old must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System to be eligible for federal student loans and grants. Men can register at any post office, or register on–line at www.sss.gov/regist.htm

The UH Foundation Scholarships
The UH Foundation awards about $5 million annually from various private and corporate donations. More information about these scholarships, which are merit, service and/or need–based, is on the Foundation website.