Hawaii does not have a Department of Higher Education, but they still have grants available to college students! Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning on attending college in the island state, and how you can find further information.
Hawaii College Grants
1. UH Opportunity Grant
For students who are attending the University of Hawaii and have demonstrated financial need, there is the UH Opportunity Grant. The awarded amount will vary, but in order to apply, students have to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled at least half-time.
2. Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver
If you are able to prove you have Native Hawaiian ancestry and are attending Hawaii Community College, there is the Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver. Students who are interested must demonstrate financial need and attend at least half-time. Only part of the tuition will be covered.
FIND SCHOLARSHIPS >>3. Hawai’i Promise Scholarship
The Hawai’i Promise Scholarship is for students who are attending a community college under the University of Hawai’i and demonstrate financial need. The award will cover education costs that weren’t covered by other forms of financial aid. The average award amount is just over $1,600.
In order to qualify, students also have to
- Complete their FAFSA
- Be a resident of the state
- Be attending at least half-time
- Accept all federal and state grants, scholarships, or other awards that don’t require repayment. (So you don’t necessarily have to take out loans in order to qualify).
- Achieve academic standards set by the school
- Be earning their first undergraduate degree
4. Hawaii B+ Scholarship
For students who graduated from a public high school in Hawaii and earned a 3.0 GPA in high school, there is the Hawaii B+ Scholarship. However, in addition to the B+ average, students also have to have had a rigorous curriculum and demonstrate financial need. Incoming students must be enrolled full time in college to qualify.
5. And More
Two other awards you may want to look into in the State of Hawaii include the Hawaii Community College Achievement Grant and the Second Century Scholars Program.
Where Can You Find More Information About Hawaii State Grants?
Since the state does not have a Department of Higher Education, information about state grants, scholarships, awards, and programs can be found on college websites throughout Hawaii. One source is the University of Hawai’i – Hawai’i Community College site. If you have questions about these programs, be sure to reach out to your college’s financial aid department or your high school guidance counselor.
Want to keep an eye out for scholarships and be alerted when new ones become available that you may qualify for? Use our Scholarship Search tool to easily locate the awards you qualify for – without the extra legwork!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
