University of Hawaii at Manoa Scholarships (2026ā2027)
ā Back to college scholarships hub ā¢ See Hawaii aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 5, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
š Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~87%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1240
- Average GPA: 3.8
š§ Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: UH MÄnoa is still within reach. Focus on improving GPA and applying earlyāthis is a school where steady academics can get your foot in the door.
- In the typical ranges: Youāre in a strong position for admission and some merit consideration. This is where UH MÄnoa can become a solid financial optionāespecially for in-state students.
- Well above the ranges: This is where the real opportunity opens up. Top students can compete for major awards like Regents or Presidential (especially in-state), and out-of-state students may stack merit with WUE.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state ā
š University of Hawaii at Manoa at a Glance
š Full tuition available (Regents Scholarship (In-State))
Average Net Price
$14,557/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000ā$4,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
20 opportunities
3 automatic Ā· 9 competitive Ā· 6 hidden gem Ā· 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 5 ā¢ FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Regents Scholarship (In-State)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
šØ Easy-to-Miss āGotchasā at University of HawaiŹ»i at MÄnoa (Read This First)
- WUE is not guaranteed: Itās available for certain majors and studentsābut itās competitive, not automatic.
- Big awards favor in-state students: Full-tuition and full-ride scholarships (like Regents/Presidential) are primarily for HawaiŹ»i residents.
- Travel costs add up: Mainland families often underestimate airfare and distanceāthis can offset some scholarship savings.
- Test scores are optionalābut sometimes useful: While admissions are test-optional, some scholarships or programs may still consider scores.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes ā University of Hawaii at Manoa is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1240.
Average net price? About $14,557/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes ā participates in wie.
š° Cost of Attendance at University of Hawaii at Manoa 2026-2027
š
2026ā2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025ā2026). Universities typically finalize the next yearās rates in the spring, and weāll update this page once official 2026ā2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2ā5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000ā$1,500 more in-state or $2,000ā$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026ā2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$12,402 |
$34,434 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$15,216 |
$15,216 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$27,618 |
$49,650 |
Average Federal Net Price: $14,557 ā this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
š“ Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): UH MÄnoa participates in WUE, offering tuition at about
150% of in-state rates for select majors and students from participating Western states. WUE is
competitive and not automatic; strong academics (often 3.5+ GPA) and early application improve odds.
COA Mini-FAQ
Does UH MÄnoa offer WUE for all majors? No. Only select majors are WUE-eligible each year; check current lists.
Is WUE guaranteed if Iām from a WUE state? Noāawards are limited and competitive.
Can out-of-state students later pay in-state rates? Itās difficult; strict residency rules apply and most undergrads remain nonresident.
Do program fees change the totals? Some majors add lab/course fees; base tuition is the same across majors.
Sources (COA):
Cost of Attendance (UH MÄnoa Financial Aid): https://manoa.hawaii.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (UH System schedule): https://www.hawaii.edu/tuition/
Student Housing Services ā Rates & Dining: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/housing/
Health Insurance requirement/waiver info: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/health/
Residency Classification (Registrar): https://manoa.hawaii.edu/registrar/residency/
Western Undergraduate Exchange details (WICHE): https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
Net Price estimate / calculator guidance: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/
Automatic Merit Scholarships at UH MÄnoa (2026ā2027)
These scholarships are awarded automatically based on your studentās GPAāno separate application is required for most.
Good news: UH MÄnoa superscores ACT/SAT if submitted. Test scores are optional and may help in borderline scholarship cases.
Automatic
MÄnoa Academic Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 5
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000ā$4,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
If you receive any New Warrior Scholarship (Regents, Provost, MÄnoa Excellence, MÄnoa International Excellence), you become ineligible for this award ā it's the secondary automatic merit layer.
💡
Strategic Detail
An automatic $2,000-$4,000/year award for four years, layered on top of a regular MÄnoa admission. The 3.0 GPA floor makes it broadly accessible ā but if you're competitive for a New Warrior award, you cannot hold both. Think of this as the catch-all merit layer for students who didn't make the NWS cut.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time, degree-seeking freshmen with at least a 3.0 GPA who don't land a New Warrior award. Awarded automatically with admission ā no extra application required.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
IUSS (International)
📅 Deadline: Jan 5
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000ā$4,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with New Warrior awards including MÄnoa International Excellence.
💡
Strategic Detail
Not highlighted in the 2026-2027 catalog or on the New Warrior Scholarships page. Likely either deprecated or absorbed into the MÄnoa International Excellence pathway. The record is retained for archival continuity ā families should contact UH Financial Aid Services directly to confirm whether this award is still being offered.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Historically international freshmen or transfers who didn't land MÄnoa International Excellence ā but current status is unconfirmed on official UH pages.
Automatic
Centennial Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 5
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with New Warrior awards or the MÄnoa Academic Merit Scholarship; historical layering rules may no longer apply.
💡
Strategic Detail
This award appears to have been quietly de-emphasized ā it is not listed in the 2026-2027 MÄnoa catalog alongside the B+, MÄnoa Academic Merit, and New Warrior programs. The record is retained for archival continuity, but families should not plan on it. Confirm directly with Financial Aid Services if interested.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Historically HawaiŹ»i resident freshmen with 3.5+ GPAs who didn't land a New Warrior award. Current status is unclear ā the 2026-2027 catalog has moved focus to the B+ Scholarship and MÄnoa Academic Merit instead.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Why does the Provost Scholarship range from $4,000 to $8,000?
Higher-tier academic applicants (GPA 3.8+, strong rigor or class rank) often receive the top award. Reach out to admissions for details.
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
Most awards (āautomatic meritā) require no extra application. The Regents Scholarship is the exception and uses a supplemental form after admission.
Do I need to submit test scores to qualify?
NoāUH MÄnoa is test-optional for both admission and scholarships, but high ACT/SAT scores can help if GPA is on the margin.
Can I get both WUE and an automatic scholarship?
Noāstudents may only receive either WUE tuition or an automatic merit scholarship, whichever is greater.
Are these scholarships stackable with need-based aid?
Yes, automatic merit scholarships can be combined with need-based grants or outside/private scholarships, but not typically with WUE.
Do scholarships apply to transfer students?
Yes, the MÄnoa Academic Merit and IUSS (International) can also be awarded to eligible transfers; check admissions for annual guidance.
How does superscoring affect my student?
UH MÄnoa takes the highest ACT/SAT section scores for admissions consideration, which can sometimes help borderline merit aid applicants.
Competitive Scholarships at UH MÄnoa
Unlike automatic awards, these scholarships require a separate application ā often through UH MÄnoaās 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 MÄnoa doesnāt 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. Itās searchable by major, identity, academic strength, and more ā and it’s where most freshmen will find local or niche awards to apply for.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographic
Regents Scholarship (In-State)
📅 Deadline: Jan 5 Ā· 📢 Results: early March
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full_tuition_and_stipend
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Full ināstate tuition for four years plus 4k/year stipend and a oneātime 2k travel grant for a small cohort of top HawaiŹ»i residents.
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~About 16 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
If your MÄnoa offer includes more than one New Warrior award (Regents, Provost, MÄnoa Excellence, or MÄnoa International Excellence), you can only accept one ā choose the highest-value package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission by Jan 5. After admission, submit two New Warrior supplemental documents by Jan 15 ā an activities/achievements list and a 250-400 word short-answer essay on community impact.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic record (3.7+ GPA considered), rigor, demonstrated community impact, activities, and essay quality.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The crown jewel of MÄnoa's New Warrior package for HawaiŹ»i kids. Covers full resident tuition for four years, layers on a $4,000 annual stipend for living costs, and includes a one-time $2,000 academic travel grant. Recipients also enter the Honors Program automatically ā smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and research access bundled in. As of Fall 2024, on-campus housing is no longer required. Note ā catalog page lists older figures (up to $5,600/year, $2,500 travel grant); the dedicated NWS page is authoritative.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 16 of HawaiŹ»i's strongest graduating seniors each year ā students who carry a 3.7+ GPA into the application and pair it with a meaningful, sustained record of giving back to their community. The committee reads holistically, so the activities list and short essay genuinely matter alongside the transcript.
App Required
Provost Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 5 Ā· 📢 Results: early March
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~About 80 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one New Warrior award can be accepted per student. If you're offered Provost plus Regents (or another NWS), pick the one with the highest dollar value or best fit.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission by Jan 5. After admission, submit the New Warrior supplemental activities list and a 250-400 word short-answer essay by Jan 15.
Selection criteria: Holistic; 3.7+ GPA considered, rigor, demonstrated community impact, activities, essay.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A flat $10,000/year for four years aimed at HawaiŹ»i residents who pair academic strength with community impact. MÄnoa awards about 80 of these each cycle, making it the largest of the New Warrior awards by volume. Renewal sits at a manageable 3.0 GPA with full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: About 80 HawaiŹ»i residents per cycle who land in the 3.7+ GPA range and show real, documented community involvement. This is the highest-volume New Warrior award, so the odds are meaningfully better than the smaller Regents pool ā but the essay and activities still matter.
App Required
MÄnoa Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 5 Ā· 📢 Results: early March
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,652ā$22,032/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~About 15 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with another New Warrior award. WUE-eligibility automatically determines award size ā MÄnoa runs that calculation for you.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission by Jan 5; after admission, submit the New Warrior activities list and short-answer essay by Jan 15.
Selection criteria: Holistic ā 3.7+ GPA considered, academic rigor, demonstrated community impact, activities, essay.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
If you live outside HawaiŹ»i but want MÄnoa, this is the award that makes the cost math work. It waives enough tuition that you pay the same as a HawaiŹ»i resident ā roughly $22,032/year in savings for non-WUE students, or about $5,652/year for students who are already WUE-eligible. Roughly 15 awards per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Roughly 15 non-HawaiŹ»i U.S. citizens with 3.7+ GPAs each year. The award is structured to bring your tuition down to what a HawaiŹ»i resident would pay ā so the headline savings depend on whether you're already WUE-eligible going in.
App Required
MÄnoa International Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 5 Ā· 📢 Results: early March
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$22,032/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~About 5 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot stack with another New Warrior award.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission by Jan 5; after admission, submit the New Warrior activities list and short-answer essay by Jan 15.
Selection criteria: Holistic ā 3.7+ GPA, rigor, community impact, activities, essay.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
International students with 3.7+ GPAs can have their nonresident tuition differential waived down to HawaiŹ»i resident rates ā a savings of around $22,032/year, or roughly $88,128 over four years. Roughly 5 students each year. Requires the same supplemental essay and activities list as the other New Warrior awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
About 5 international students per year on F-1 visas with 3.7+ GPAs and a strong community impact narrative. A small pool, so polish that essay.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UH Foundation Endowed Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews
$1,000ā$6,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally stackable with institutional and federal aid; some funds may overlap with specific tuition waivers ā STAR shows conflicts at the portal level.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the UH STAR scholarship portal. Each endowed fund has its own donor-specific criteria ā major, background, geographic ties, service interests ā so filter carefully.
Selection criteria: Donor-criteria match ā background, major, service interest, etc.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The UH Foundation manages hundreds of donor-funded endowments at MÄnoa, all routed through STAR. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $6,000/year. The biggest unlock is filtering STAR by your background and major ā many awards fit very specific student profiles that aren't broadcast widely.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students whose lived experience matches what an individual donor cared about ā first-generation kids, students from specific HawaiŹ»i islands, future teachers, students in a niche major. The trick is filtering STAR by your actual story rather than spraying applications at every award.
App Required
New Warrior (NWS) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
Non-Renewable
$1,000ā$4,000
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
Supplemental application and essay; offered to top entering freshmen
Selection criteria: Engagement/service/essay
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time, supplemental application
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top new admits with engagement, service, or strong essays
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UH MÄnoa STAR Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews
$500ā$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Most STAR awards stack with need-based aid and outside/private scholarships; a few overlap with specific tuition waivers ā the portal flags conflicts at application time.
📄
How to Apply
Log into the STAR scholarship portal (star.hawaii.edu) after admission. Browse and apply for awards matching your major, background, or financial situation. One application can match you to multiple awards.
Selection criteria: Award-specific ā varies by scholarship listed in the portal.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The STAR portal is MÄnoa's one-stop scholarship hub ā hundreds of awards across departments, colleges, and donor endowments. Set aside a real evening to filter and apply. The student who treats STAR like a search engine for free money tends to do better than the student who fires off generic applications.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Wildly varied ā STAR is more of a portal than a single award. Winners are the students who actually log in, filter thoughtfully, and apply to several awards that genuinely fit their profile rather than blanket-applying to everything.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ASUH Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
$1,000ā$2,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ASUH funding generally stacks with institutional and federal aid ā confirm with Financial Aid Services if you're at an aid cap.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the ASUH Scholarship Application (Google Form linked on asuhmanoa.com). Choose one of three categories ā Academic Achievement, High Financial Need, or Unique Situations. Reviewed by the ASUH Committee on Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Selection criteria: Category-specific ā GPA-driven for Academic Achievement, FAFSA-driven for Financial Need, narrative-driven for Unique Situations.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Run by the undergraduate student government, not Financial Aid Services. Split into three lanes ā Academic Achievement (high GPA), High Financial Need, and Unique Situations ā so the strongest applications match themselves to the right category. Deadlines shift each cycle and aren't published as a fixed annual date ā check the ASUH site early each fall and spring.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Full-time classified undergraduates who fit cleanly into one of the three ASUH categories ā high GPA students, students with documented financial gaps, or students navigating unique life situations. Each category has its own bar.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 (general priority)
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Most departmental awards stack with institutional and federal aid; check with Financial Aid Services if you're approaching a cost-of-attendance cap.
📄
How to Apply
Declare your major and apply through the UH STAR scholarship portal (star.hawaii.edu). Many department awards favor sophomores and above with declared majors ā but it's worth scanning the portal each year regardless of class standing.
Selection criteria: Department-specific criteria.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Each major department at MÄnoa controls its own scholarship pool, administered through STAR. Criteria, amounts, and deadlines vary widely ā anthropology may want field-research interest, engineering may want a project portfolio. The best move is to log into STAR once you're admitted and filter by your intended major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who've planted a flag in their major department ā taken upper-division coursework, connected with faculty, joined the major club. Continuing students and upperclassmen tend to have the edge because they're known quantities to the department.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
How do we access the STAR scholarship system?
Students log in at
star.hawaii.edu after admission. Itās the central portal for all non-automatic scholarships.
Can freshmen win these scholarships?
Yesāmany STAR and donor awards are open to freshmen; department-level are more often for sophomores, juniors, or transfers.
Is it worth applying for STAR scholarships if we already have WUE?
Only the higher value will be awarded; STAR awards generally do not stack with WUE. If STAR exceeds your WUE discount, you may switch.
Do I need to fill out FAFSA for these?
Many competitive scholarships (even merit-based) want a FAFSA on file, especially for need-based or first-gen awards.
How many scholarships can a student get from STAR?
Multiple awards are possible, but total institutional aid usually cannot exceed the cost of attendance. Most students win one or two per year.
What’s the main STAR scholarships deadline?
All major UH MÄnoa STAR scholarships have a priority deadline of February 15 each year; some select programs, like NWS, may have an earlier supplemental deadline.
Hidden Gem Scholarships at UH MÄnoa
UH MÄnoa may not list all its awards front and center ā but that doesnāt mean they arenāt out there. From first-generation support to marching band stipends, these under-the-radar scholarships can add up quickly ā 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 ā but the extra effort could mean $1,000 or more off their first-year bill.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Kamehameha Schools Post-High Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 15
✓ Renews
$1,000ā$4,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Varies by fund terms
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Kamehameha Schools portal; must be registered with Kamehameha and verify ancestry
Selection criteria: Ancestry, essay
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
External, not exclusive to UH MÄnoa
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students registered with Kamehameha and verified Native Hawaiian descent
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marching Band/Ensemble Award
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Music application and audition; open to all majors, may renew annually for returning members
Selection criteria: Band audition
💡
Strategic Detail
Performance-based
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Band/ensemble students all years, not limited to music majors
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
MÄnoa Opportunity Grant
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with lowest EFC on FAFSA & unmet need
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Pauahi Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Nov 30
Non-Renewable
$1,000ā$3,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with institutional scholarships
📄
How to Apply
Apply via KSBE foundation portal; must demonstrate Native Hawaiian ancestry and submit essays
Selection criteria: Ancestry, essay
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Not affiliated with UH MÄnoa directly; one-year only
🕵
Who Actually Wins
HS seniors and college students with Native Hawaiian ancestry and strong essays
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Student Life & Leadership Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via STAR portal or department; involvement in clubs, student government or campus service required
Selection criteria: Leadership/service
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Highly active leaders or service students
App Required
First-Gen STAR Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews
$1,000ā$2,500
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
Apply through STAR portal; primarily for first-generation freshmen, typically Pell-eligible or community involved
Selection criteria: First-gen, need, essay
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible or community-involved first-gen freshmen
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Where do we apply for these hidden gem scholarships?
Most of these are listed in the UH MÄnoa
STAR system. Marching band and certain service awards may require direct application to departments.
Can my student apply before being admitted?
No, STAR is accessible after formal admission. External scholarships (like Pauahi or Kamehameha) should be pursued in senior fall.
Are these opportunities just for local students?
Not exclusively. While many are for Hawai’i residents or Native Hawaiian students, activity- and leadership-based scholarships are open to all majors and states.
Can these be stacked with other scholarships or aid?
Yesāmost hidden gem and departmental awards are stackable with automatic and some competitive scholarships, up to cost of attendance.
Honors College at UH MÄnoa
UH MÄnoaās Honors Program is designed for students who want more from their college experience ā smaller classes, closer mentorship, and the chance to dive deep into research or creative work.
Is it worth it?
Letās break down what you actually get, what the requirements are, and whether Honors opens doors to financial support.
What You Get
- Priority registration every semester
- Access to small, discussion-based Honors seminars
- Faculty mentorship and a capstone project (usually senior year)
- An āHonorsā distinction on your diploma
- Some dedicated study lounges and academic advising
Who Gets In?
The program is by invitation only for most incoming freshmen.
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 ā if you’re a strong academic student, UH will invite you after reviewing your application.
Honors-Specific Scholarships
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Program Hubert and Mable Frings Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with most institutional and federal aid; particularly useful as a top-up for research-active Honors students.
📄
How to Apply
Be in good standing in the MÄnoa Honors Program. Submit an application with either a cost-of-attendance support request or a proposal for independent research or a creative project. Apply through the UH Student Scholarship website (STAR).
Selection criteria: Quality and feasibility of proposal; demonstrated faculty mentorship; Honors standing.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $2,200 for Honors students in good standing ā either to defray costs of attendance or to fund an independent research or creative project. The intent is to support faculty mentorship, so the strongest applications connect to a specific professor and ongoing scholarly work.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with a clear research or creative project ā and ideally a faculty mentor already in their corner. The endowment exists to support faculty-student mentorship, so proposals that name a mentor and connect to ongoing work tend to land well.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Student Award for Excellence in Research
📅 Deadline: Mar 7 (historical ā unverified)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with institutional and federal aid as a one-time research recognition.
📄
How to Apply
Faculty nomination plus a student application showcasing outstanding research or a capstone project. Historical deadline early March ā confirm with the Honors Program before relying on it.
Selection criteria: Quality and impact of research project; faculty endorsement.
💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
This award appears in earlier campus records but is not currently listed on the MÄnoa Honors Program scholarships page. Status is unconfirmed for 2026-2027 ā recommend contacting the Honors Program directly before counting on it. Historically a $1,000 one-time recognition requiring faculty nomination.
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Who Actually Wins
Top undergraduate research or capstone projects across the university ā Honors students are frequent contenders, but the award isn't exclusive to Honors. The faculty nomination carries real weight.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Scholarships for Honors are limited and often aimed at funding research, capstone, or creative projects. Most other Honors students fund UH with standard aid or outside awards.
Honors Housing?
UH used to offer a Living Learning Community for Honors students ā but as of this cycle, itās 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 ā UH MÄnoaās Honors Program is by invitation only. Strong applicants are reviewed automatically after applying for admission.
Are there any guaranteed scholarships for Honors students?
Not guaranteed. The Frings Scholarship and research awards are competitive and require a separate application; most aid comes from major, need-based, or outside sources.
Do Honors students live together on campus?
Not always. There used to be an Honors floor, but it isnāt guaranteed now. Students may request it, but it’s subject to availability.
Does Honors open doors to more funding later?
Yesābeing in the Honors Program helps students compete for research stipends, STAR awards, and grad fellowships during their junior/senior year.
š Official Links ā UH MÄnoa
š¬ Final Thoughts
The University of HawaiŹ»i at MÄnoa offers an education like no otherāwhere cultural diversity, research, and natural beauty intersect.
As the stateās flagship and an R1 research university, UH MÄnoa gives students access to leading programs in oceanography, environmental science, and international studies,
all while fostering a strong sense of community and aloha.
Out-of-state students can benefit from WUE and other scholarships that make this Pacific experience more affordable.
For families seeking academic excellence in a setting that inspires global perspective, MÄnoa delivers something truly special.
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