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Hawaii · Free-college programs

Hawaiʻi Promise

Need-based support for direct education costs at University of Hawaiʻi community colleges; residency, eligible study and enrollment conditions apply.

Free if eligibleSources checked Oct 16, 2026View sources ↓Compare related routes ↓
Students & families · General optionLow-income learners · Explicitly served

At a glance

Free if eligible
What it covers
Hawaiʻi Promise bridges financial need for direct education costs at a UH community college, including tuition, fees and books. The actual amount depends on funding, enrollment, need and other financial resources.
Income / financial rules
The award is based on financial need and other resources assessed through the aid process. This record does not model a single income cutoff.
Who to check first
Be a Hawaiʻi resident eligible for in-state tuition and enroll in a financial-aid-eligible, degree-seeking program at a UH community college.
Application timing
The official page gives March 1 as the FAFSA financial-aid priority date, without a full calendar year in that instruction. Confirm the current award year and later consideration with your campus.
Read official guidanceYou’ll leave FreeCheapEdu. The program makes the eligibility decision.

Check your eligibility

Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Complete the FAFSA for priority consideration, using the appropriate aid year and the official March 1 priority guidance.
  2. 2
    Enroll and register at a UH community college. Ask the campus financial-aid office to confirm eligibility, the actual award and any outstanding documents; free FAFSA assistance is available.

What to watch for

Funding is contingent, and historical average awards are not your current entitlement. Confirm the actual remaining education costs with the campus rather than treating a tuition benefit as a guaranteed full living-cost budget.

Common questions

What is the main benefit?

Hawaiʻi Promise bridges financial need for direct education costs at a UH community college, including tuition, fees and books. The actual amount depends on funding, enrollment, need and other financial resources.

Is there an income limit?

The award is based on financial need and other resources assessed through the aid process. This record does not model a single income cutoff.

When should I apply?

The official page gives March 1 as the FAFSA financial-aid priority date, without a full calendar year in that instruction. Confirm the current award year and later consideration with your campus.

Sources & verification

Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.

Hawaii Promise Program
University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges
Checked Oct 16, 2026
Read official guidance