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University of Hawaii Asks Legislature for $19 Million for Scholarship Program

The University of Hawaii is seeking $19 million annually from the 2024 State Legislature to expand its scholarship program to include UH Manoa, UH Hilo, and UH West Oahu, according to a UH news release. Currently, Hawaii Promise only serves students from UH’s seven community institutions.

Students do not apply for the scholarship; rather, it is awarded to students who have qualified for federal financial help by completing the Free Application for Federal Student help. The scholarship is intended to help address financial needs that are not met by other types of financial aid.

In fiscal year 2023, UH community colleges granted approximately $3.8 million to 1,774 students, as reported in a 2023 report to the Hawaii State Legislature. The average scholarship amount was $2,142 per student. These contributions cover tuition, books, and fees.

When Spectrum News Hawaii asked UH about the large increase in requested funds, UH spokesperson Dan Meisenzahl said via email: “Though in-state tuition is very affordable at the three UH universities at $9,000 to $11,000 a year, it is more expensive than community college tuition, which is about $3,000.”

He stated that the $19 million request was a “good estimate” provided by UH’s financial aid office based on how much federal aid students are eligible for and how much additional money they require to meet the full cost of college.

Hawaii Promise, which began in 2017, has helped 8,643 UH students who have demonstrated financial need.

According to the 2023 report, scholarship recipients earn more credits (shortening the time to degree and increasing the likelihood of degree completion), have higher passing rates (3.0 grade point average or higher), and are more likely to stay enrolled (69% vs 65%).

Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, and other ethnic groups underrepresented in higher education account for 60% of all recipients. According to the university, 84 percent of the scholarship recipients would not have been able to enroll if it had not been for Hawaii Promise.

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