University of Hawaii Scholarships: What Out-of-State and Local Families Need to Know

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🎓 University of Hawaiʻi Scholarships (2025–2026)

Whether your student is applying from the mainland or grew up in Hawaiʻi, understanding how scholarships work at UH Mānoa can make a huge difference in your cost. This guide breaks down the automatic merit awards, competitive scholarships, WUE options, and financial aid available to both in-state and out-of-state families. For state-specific aid, check out our full guide to Hawaiʻi state grants and scholarships.

💰 Cost of Attendance at UH Mānoa (2025–2026)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa can be surprisingly affordable for in-state families—and it may also be within reach for some mainland students through WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange). Here’s what to expect in terms of costs before financial aid.

💡 What families actually pay: The average net price after aid is $13,606 for in-state and $19,870 for out-of-state students. Scholarships and WUE discounts can make a big difference.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $12,186 $33,486
Room & Board $14,710 $14,710
Books, Supplies, Misc. $4,950 $4,950
🌐 Estimated Total $31,846 $53,146

🏝️ WUE Savings (Western Undergraduate Exchange): UH Mānoa does offer reduced tuition for out-of-state students from WUE-participating states — but it’s not guaranteed.

According to recent trends, students typically need a GPA of 3.5+ and may be evaluated based on class rank or test scores if submitted. Even then, WUE awards are limited and vary by major.

Families should know: just applying from a WUE state doesn’t mean your child will automatically receive the discount — you must be offered WUE as part of admission or scholarship review.

How can my child increase their chances of getting WUE at UH Mānoa?
WUE is not automatic — UH Mānoa only offers it to a select number of out-of-state students. Based on past recipients, your child may have a better shot if they:
  • Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Rank in the top 25% of their high school class
  • Submit strong test scores (if available) — even though UH is test-optional
  • Apply early and list a major that’s eligible for WUE
Keep in mind: UH doesn’t publish exact cutoff scores or a full list of eligible majors — so it’s smart to reach out to admissions to clarify your child’s chances.
Can my student qualify for in-state tuition instead?
It’s very unlikely unless you’re a current Hawai‘i resident. Gaining residency after enrollment is difficult — your child would need to prove they moved to Hawai‘i for reasons other than college, establish legal ties, and live there independently for at least 12 months.

🎓 Automatic Merit Scholarships at UH Mānoa (2025–2026)

These scholarships are awarded automatically based on your student’s GPA—no separate application is required.

💡 Good news: UH Mānoa superscores the ACT and SAT if submitted, meaning they’ll take your child’s highest section scores across test dates. While test scores aren’t required for scholarships, submitting them may help in borderline cases.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Regents Scholarship (In-State) Full Tuition + Stipend Top in-state students; typically GPA ≥ 3.9 ✅ ✅ Only a handful selected each year
Provost Achievement Scholarship $4,000–$8,000/year GPA ≥ 3.6; open to residents and non-residents ❌ ✅ Stronger applicants with 3.7+ GPAs are most competitive
Centennial Scholarship $2,000/year GPA ≥ 3.5; Hawaiʻi residents only ❌ ✅ Many in-state students with solid GPAs receive this

📘 Why does the Provost Scholarship range from $4,000 to $8,000?
UH Mānoa doesn’t publish exact award tiers, but students with a GPA closer to 3.6 tend to receive the lower end of the award. Higher academic achievers — typically those with a 3.8+ GPA or test scores in the top 15% — may be offered closer to the $8,000 maximum. Other factors like class rank or major may also play a role.

If your student is sitting in the middle, it’s worth reaching out to admissions for clarity.

Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
Most automatic scholarships — like the Provost and Centennial awards — do not require a separate application. But the Regents Scholarship does, and it’s highly competitive. Make sure to apply by the early scholarship deadline if you want to be considered.
Do I need to submit test scores to qualify?
No — UH Mānoa is test-optional for both admission and scholarships. But if your student is borderline (especially for a top-tier award like the Regents or Provost), submitting strong ACT/SAT scores may help.
Can I get both WUE and an automatic scholarship?
Typically, no. Students who receive the WUE discounted tuition rate are not eligible for additional automatic merit scholarships. It’s usually an either/or situation — whichever offer saves your family more money.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UH Mānoa

Unlike automatic awards, these scholarships require a separate application — often through UH Mānoa’s internal STAR Scholarship portal. Many are funded by donors or departments and may be based on GPA, major, background, or leadership roles.

💡 What is STAR? UH Mānoa doesn’t list competitive scholarships publicly the way other schools do. Instead, all scholarship listings (except automatic ones) are housed in the UH STAR system, which students can access once admitted. It’s searchable by major, identity, academic strength, and more — and it’s where most freshmen will find local or niche awards to apply for.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
UH Mānoa STAR Scholarships $500–$5,000/year Varies; merit, need, identity, or major-based ✅ (via STAR system) Some are Highly variable; families should sort and filter STAR by major or need
UH Foundation Endowed Awards $1,000–$6,000 Often based on donor criteria like background, field, or service ✅ Some Competitive; best for students who are active in leadership or community roles
Departmental Awards Varies by major Open to declared majors; often sophomore+ eligibility ✅ Some Less common for freshmen but worth exploring later
How do we access the STAR scholarship system?
Students can log in to the STAR website once they’ve been admitted to UH Mānoa. It’s the main portal where all non-automatic scholarships are listed.
Can freshmen win these scholarships?
Yes — especially STAR or donor-funded awards. While some departmental scholarships require sophomore standing, many awards are open to incoming freshmen with strong academics or compelling personal stories.
Is it worth applying for STAR scholarships if we already have WUE?
It depends. Most STAR scholarships can’t be stacked with WUE — but you may still want to apply to see which option offers more value. If your student doesn’t get WUE, STAR may help fill the gap.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UH Mānoa

UH Mānoa may not list all its awards front and center — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. From first-generation support to marching band stipends, these under-the-radar scholarships can add up quickly — especially for students who know where to look.

Most of these scholarships are listed inside the STAR system or handled by individual departments or foundations. That means your student may need to do a little digging — but the extra effort could mean $1,000 or more off their first-year bill.

Scholarship Award Amount Who It’s For Separate App?
Pauahi Scholars Program $1,000–$3,000 Native Hawaiian ancestry, strong academic record ✅
Kamehameha Schools Post-High Scholarships $1,000–$4,000 Students of Native Hawaiian descent; separate from UH Mānoa ✅
Mānoa Opportunity Grant Up to $4,000/year Need-based; typically Pell-eligible students ❌ (auto from FAFSA)
First-Generation STAR Scholarships $1,000–$2,500 First-gen students with financial need or leadership roles ✅
Marching Band Scholarship $500–$1,000 Students who audition and participate in UH marching band ✅
Student Life & Leadership Awards $500–$1,500 Students involved in campus orgs, clubs, or service ✅
Where do we apply for these hidden gem scholarships?
Most of these are listed inside UH Mānoa’s STAR scholarship system. Others — like the marching band award — may be handled by departments directly (e.g. the music or student life office).
Can my student apply before being admitted?
In most cases, no — you’ll need to wait until your student is admitted and receives access to STAR. Some scholarships (like Pauahi or Kamehameha Foundation awards) are external and can be applied for independently.
Are these scholarships just for local students?
Not always. While many awards are geared toward Hawaiʻi residents or Native Hawaiian students, there are also merit- and activity-based options open to out-of-state students — especially in music, leadership, or academic departments.

🌟 Honors College at UH Mānoa

UH Mānoa’s Honors Program is designed for students who want more from their college experience — smaller classes, closer mentorship, and the chance to dive deep into research or creative work.

But here’s the real question for CRP families: Is it worth it?

Let’s break down what you actually get, what the requirements are, and whether it opens any doors financially.

✅ What You Get

  • Priority registration every semester
  • Access to small, discussion-based Honors seminars
  • Faculty mentorship and a capstone project (usually senior year)
  • An “Honors” distinction on your diploma
  • Some dedicated study lounges and academic advising

🎯 Who Gets In?

The program is by invitation only for most incoming freshmen.

While UH doesn’t publish exact GPA/ACT cutoffs, most accepted students have:

  • A 3.7+ GPA (weighted)
  • And/or an ACT of 28+ or SAT around 1300+

There is no self-nomination form — if you’re a strong academic student, UH will invite you after reviewing your application.

💸 Are There Scholarships?

Yes — but they’re vague. UH Mānoa states that Honors students “may be considered for exclusive scholarships,” but these aren’t listed publicly, and it’s unclear how many are awarded or for how much.

We’d suggest families think of the Honors Program as an academic and social opportunity — not necessarily a source of big financial aid.

🏠 Honors Housing?

UH used to offer a Living Learning Community for Honors students — but as of the 2025–2026 cycle, it’s not required or guaranteed. Students can request housing near others in the program, but priority is not guaranteed.

Can my student apply to the Honors College directly?
No — UH Mānoa’s Honors Program is by invitation only. There’s no self-nomination form. Students with strong academics will be reviewed automatically and notified after they’re admitted.
Are there any guaranteed scholarships for Honors students?
Not currently. UH Mānoa says Honors students “may be considered” for special scholarships, but doesn’t list amounts or eligibility. If aid is a top priority, consider applying to merit-based awards outside the Honors Program as well.
Do Honors students live together on campus?
Not always. UH used to offer an Honors housing option, but it’s no longer guaranteed. Students can request to live near others in the program, but it depends on availability.

🎓 Final Thoughts for Families

Whether your student is aiming for automatic merit aid, a competitive Regents scholarship, or hidden gems through leadership or cultural identity, UH Mānoa has more to offer than most families realize at first glance.

But here’s the key: nothing happens automatically unless you apply. Be sure to submit the FAFSA, meet priority deadlines, and explore the STAR system once your student is admitted. A little early planning can unlock thousands in savings.

And don’t forget — you can compare UH Mānoa to other public colleges on our site, or download the free College Offer Comparison Sheet to see how it stacks up with schools your student is considering.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.

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