Question about financial aid at UH Hilo

Aloha! I'm currently looking into the University of Hawaii at Hilo but I have concerns about the financial aid process. Can any current or former students provide insight about what to expect and any scholarship opportunities to look out for? Mahalo in advance!

Aloha! While I'm not a current or former student at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, I can certainly provide some advice regarding the financial aid process and scholarship opportunities. Here's what you can expect:

1. The FAFSA: You'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, as well as most institutional aid programs. The FAFSA opens each year on October 1st, and it's best to complete it as soon as possible to maximize aid eligibility. UH Hilo's federal school code is 001611.

2. Institutional aid: UH Hilo offers several scholarships for incoming students. The Chancellor's Scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded to first-year students with outstanding academic records. The Regents Scholarship is another competitive merit-based scholarship for Hawaii high school graduates with excellent academic credentials. You can also check the UH Hilo financial aid office's website for other available scholarships.

3. Departmental scholarships: Depending on your field of study, there may be department-specific scholarships available. Reach out to the department you plan to major in to inquire about any additional aid opportunities.

4. Outside scholarships: Look for external scholarships offered by local organizations, businesses, and nonprofits in Hawaii. Websites like Scholarships.com and Cappex can help you find scholarships that you might be eligible for.

5. Part-time jobs: UH Hilo participates in the Federal Work-Study program. If you're eligible for work-study, you'll be able to work on or off-campus in order to help pay for your education.

6. Keep an eye on deadlines: Make sure to submit all required forms and applications before the specified deadlines. For UH Hilo, the priority deadline for the FAFSA is usually February 1st - make sure to apply by this date to maximize your aid eligibility, as some sources are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Scholarship deadlines may vary, so pay attention to each program's requirements and deadlines.

To ensure you're making the most of financial aid and scholarship opportunities, stay in touch with the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office, meet all deadlines, and maintain good academic standing. Best of luck with your application to UH Hilo! Mahalo!