Hawaii is a beautiful state known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and rich cultural heritage. It is also home to a thriving education system, with numerous colleges and universities offering a variety of academic programs. However, the cost of higher education can be a challenge for many students. Fortunately, there are several sources of student aid available in Hawaii to help ease the financial burden. In this blog, we will explore some of the main sources of student aid in Hawaii.
Federal Student Aid
The first and most important source of student aid is the federal government. Students in Hawaii can apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA is used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The federal government offers a variety of aid programs, including the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Federal Work-Study program. These programs are designed to help students from low-income families pay for college.
State of Hawaii Student Aid
In addition to federal aid, the state of Hawaii also offers its own student aid programs. The Hawaii State Scholarship Program is a need-based program that provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who are residents of Hawaii. The program is administered by the Hawaii State Department of Education and is awarded based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. Other state-funded programs include the Hawaii Promise Program, which provides free tuition for qualifying students at community colleges, and the Hawaii B Plus Program, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Institutional Aid
Many colleges and universities in Hawaii offer their own institutional aid programs. These programs may include scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. Students should check with their school’s financial aid office to see what programs are available.
Private Scholarships
There are also many private scholarship programs available to students in Hawaii. These scholarships may be offered by local organizations, corporations, or private foundations. Some examples include the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, and the Friends of Hawaii Charities. Students can search for private scholarships online or through their school’s financial aid office.
Military Benefits
Hawaii is home to several military bases, and many military personnel and their families are stationed on the islands. The military offers several education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides financial assistance for tuition, books, and living expenses to veterans and their dependents.
Resources
- University of Hawaii Financial Aid: Various types of financial aid for its students. This includes scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. You can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarships: Provides scholarships to Hawaii residents for undergraduate and graduate studies. They have various scholarships available, including scholarships for Native Hawaiian students, students studying in specific fields, and students attending specific schools.
- Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Scholarships and Grants: Scholarships and grants to its members. The scholarships are available to members who are high school seniors or currently enrolled in college.
- Hawaiian Community Assets Financial Assistance Programs: Scholarships and grants to its members. The scholarships are available to members who are high school seniors or currently enrolled in college
- Kamehameha Schools Scholarships: Scholarships and grants to its members. The scholarships are available to members who are high school seniors or currently enrolled in college
- HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Scholarships: Scholarships to its members who are graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled in college. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
- Aloha United Way Financial Assistance: Financial assistance to individuals and families in Hawaii who are struggling to make ends meet. They offer various programs, including emergency financial assistance, rent and utility assistance, and food assistance.
Take the Next Step
There are several sources of student aid available to students in Hawaii. Students should start by completing the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for federal aid. They should also explore state-funded programs, institutional aid, private scholarships, and military benefits. With a little research and effort, students can find the financial assistance they need to pursue their educational goals in Hawaii.
PENDING:
Federal Student Debt Relief – Currently under review by the Supreme Court for Approval
Who couldn’t use some debt relief in these uncertain times? Hurry and get the info you need to know if you qualify for the current loan forgiveness program. This is a limited window for folks with current student loan with the federal government a the application period closes December 31, 2023. The Biden-Harris Administration is providing up to $20,000 in student loan debt relief for eligible borrowers.
Filling out the application is easy and takes about 5 minutes. You don’t need to log in or provide any documents. For those who can’t apply online, they will make a paper version of the form available soon. Remember the public library should have computer access if you can’t find it anywhere else.
How Much Debt Relief You Can Get
- Up to $20,000 in debt relief if you received a Federal Pell Grant in college and meet the income requirements
- Up to $10,000 in debt relief if you didn’t receive a Federal Pell Grant in college and meet the income requirements
- The debt relief applies only to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. Any new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, aren’t eligible for debt relief. Other rules apply to consolidation loans.
