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Hawaii College Scholarships & Grants for In-State Families
Hawaii doesn’t offer a huge list of state-funded scholarships, but there are a few high-impact programs and smart strategies that can make a big difference. Whether your child is staying close to home or exploring out-of-state options, there’s more support available than it may seem at first glance.
Jump to: 🏆 Merit Scholarships 🎓 Adult Learners 🌍 WUE Discount
🏆 Regents & Presidential Scholarships
Some of the largest merit-based scholarships in the state are available through the University of Hawaii system. These are highly competitive but worth aiming for if your child has strong academics.
| Scholarship | Award | Requirements | Renewable | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regents Scholarship | Full tuition + $4,000/year stipend | 3.8+ GPA, ACT 30+ or SAT 1400+, Hawaii resident, resume & essay | Yes | HCF Application |
| Presidential Scholarship | $4,000/year | 3.5+ GPA, ACT 27–29 or SAT 1250–1350, Hawaii resident | Yes | HCF Application |
The University of Hawaii uses your child’s highest single test date score when awarding merit scholarships like the Regents or Presidential. Superscores (mixing section scores from multiple tests) are not used.
Their deadline is typically late January, so don’t delay once the new year hits.
🎓 Adult Learners & Working Parents
Hawaii’s HINET program helps low-income students who receive SNAP benefits cover costs like tuition, books, and transportation. Many parents don’t realize that this support is available to them too—not just recent high school grads.
Going Out-of-State?
Families in Hawaii may qualify for reduced tuition through the
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.
If your kid isn’t sure about staying in Hawaii, WUE makes dozens of mainland colleges much more affordable—especially in states like California, Washington, Oregon, and Colorado.
📝 What To Do Next
- ✅ File the FAFSA as early as possible to unlock Pell, SEOG, and HINET support
- ✅ Check if your kid meets GPA/test score requirements for Regents, Presidential, or WUE schools
- ✅ Look into HINET if your family qualifies for SNAP
- ✅ Explore scholarships from the Hawaii Community Foundation
Hawaii Colleges
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Can my kid use a superscore for merit scholarships?
No. Merit awards like the Regents and Presidential Scholarships use a single ACT or SAT sitting. For example, a 30 ACT on one date beats a mix of 28 + 32 across two dates.
What kind of scores usually win the big scholarships?
For the Regents Scholarship, aim for a 3.8+ GPA and an ACT of 30+ or SAT of 1400+. For the Presidential, a 3.5+ GPA and ACT 27–29 or SAT 1250–1350 is usually competitive.
Is HINET only for adult learners?
No. Many younger students also qualify—especially if their family receives SNAP. It’s one of the most underused resources in Hawaii.