The University of Hawaiʻi offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to students attending any of the ten UH campuses. Since campuses vary, students are encouraged to begin by looking at their home campus financial aid office website for more information.

UHM Scholarships

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors such as academic achievement, athletic ability, leadership, field of study and/or financial need. It is a type of free money and does not need to be repaid.

Grants & Scholarships

UH West O‘ahu offers a variety of opportunities to help fund your education. Most scholarships and grants require submitting a FAFSA. We encourage all students to submit their FAFSA regardless of financial circumstances. Grants and scholarships are a form of financial aid that do not have to be repaid, however, both have specific requirements. Some scholarships may be awarded based on merit. This means that students may need a minimum GPA to qualify for a scholarship, whereas grants are need-based and are awarded based on your financial situation. Both grants and scholarships may also have enrollment criteria. 

You can afford to attend a University of Hawai‘i Community College. There are several ways to get financial assistance if you need it, including federal financial aid, grants, scholarships and loans.

Where can I get financial aid?

Start by going to UHCC Financial Aid. The site will provide information and guidance on how to apply for financial aid to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges.

How do I apply for financial aid?

1. Apply for admission to one of the University of Hawai‘i Community College campuses.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FASFA.

3. Submitting the FAFSA gives you the most access to financial aid sources to pay for your education. In addition to federal resources, local funding sources such as scholarship organizations and colleges also tend to require that you have completed the FAFSA. The application is available starting October 1 for the following school year.
   To begin, learn what you need to fill out a FAFSA® form. Be sure to select the correct aid year and to include your community college’s code when it asks you where to send information.
   For assistance in completing the form, email FAFSA@hawaii.edu and a local FAFSA specialist will assist you.

What type of scholarships are available?

Scholarships, money that does not need to be repaid, are awarded based on a variety of factors, such as academic achievement, leadership, field of study, and/or financial need. The UH System Common Scholarship Application, is one application for numerous scholarships and used by the UH Community Colleges.

You may also be eligible for the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship which provides money from UH and the State of Hawai‘i to cover direct education costs—such as tuition, fees and books—that are not met by other forms of financial aid.

Check out the UHCC System scholarship page for a listing of scholarships that may be available to you.

Who can I contact for questions on financial aid?

Please contact the UH Community College campus financial aid office you are interested in attending. 

Niuhelewai Scholars provides Honolulu residents with an opportunity to try college for free. The program provides scholarships and academic support to participants to attain certificates and associate’s degrees at Honolulu Community College or just to try taking a few college courses!

The Niuhelewai Scholars Project is part of the UHCC system-wide 13th Year Initiative and is modeled after Kauaʻi Community College’s Waiʻaleʻale Project. 

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a federally-funded TRiO grant that offers free services to eligible students that are seeking post-secondary education and/or career exploration. The EOC is located at the University of Hawai’i Maui College campus in the Ho’okipa building. We also have an office on the island of Moloka’i at the Moloka’i Education Center.

Some of the free services that we offer include:

• Assistance with college admissions applications (to any school nationwide)

• Assistance with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and other financial resources such as grants and scholarships

• Career exploration

• Cover letter and/or resume building

• And more!

We are still open and are going to continue to support the community to the best of our ability in this great time of uncertainty. To schedule an appointment with one of our advisors, please call (808) 984-3286, or you may email us at EOC@hawaii.edu. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments. If you are located on the island of Moloka’i, you may also call (808) 984-3804.

Paipai o Ko’olau is a program to increase college enrollment and graduation for the Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa communities. Working with community partners to identify individuals who can benefit from college, Paipai o Koʻolau provides scholarships and academic support to students, nurturing them from admission to graduation. 

Paipai o Koʻolau provides support to students who are residents of Windward O’ahu and have demonstrated financial need that creates a barrier to entering college.

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Eligibility - potential students must meet the following criteria

• Maui resident that will attend UH Maui College

• Demonstrate financial need and barriers/challenges keeping you from attending college

• First time college student or minimal college experience

• Enroll in a mandatory cohort class in Fall 2024

Preference will be given to first time college students of Native Hawaiian ancestry who are low-income and first generation.

For more information, contact us at (808) 984-3421 or email triosssp@hawaii.edu.

The Lunalilo Scholars Program is more than a financial aid scholarship. It is a transformative opportunity for promising individuals who are financially at risk. The program offers students the means and personalized support they need to start a new life during their first year of college at Kapi‘olani Community College. 

Many start the program with little more than a strong desire to work hard and get ahead. Some are near the brink of homelessness or stuck in low-paying jobs without possibilities for career advancement. 

Once admitted to the program, Lunalilo Scholars gain confidence, peer support, and skills. They begin to see hope and realize they can take steps to break the poverty cycle, find their purpose, and give back to their community. Click here to learn more...

Students of Native Hawaiian ancestry are given preference to also support the College in increasing the number of Native Hawaiian students that enroll and complete the first year of college. Community partners, including feeder high schools, with access to underprivileged, Native Hawaiian and non-college-bound students refer applicants to the program through applications and referral forms.

The first year of college is critical because it forms a foundation for each student's success. At Kaua‘i Community College, we help students by providing a variety of support services and resources in preparation for their first year. The Kīpaipai Program ensures that every student has the support needed to have an "amazing" first year at college. 

$350 scholarship for three semesters: 

Students who meet Kīpaipai requirements receive $350 at the beginning of each semester to use for tuition and fees, books, or supplies. The Scholarship includes attending a free IS 110 in the Fall Semester and 111 in Spring, individualized Student Success Plan and more!  Students may receive the scholarship if they meet "all" of the requirements listed below for up to three consecutive semesters ($1,050 total). 

• Our suite of financial supports give you and your ‘ohana, or family, peace of mind—we believe the ability to pay should never be a barrier to higher education.

• There are numerous scholarship opportunities available—ranging from merit awards and grants based on the eligibility of your Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Chaminade scholarships and private donor funds based on specific criteria. Outside scholarships (from companies, non-profit organizations, high schools and other entities) have their own application processes and requirements for eligibility.

• First Year & Transfer Day Undergraduate Applicants

• All first year and transfer applicants in the Day Undergraduate program are automatically considered for institutional merit-based scholarships. Students filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be considered for federal award programs as well as for need based institutional grants.