Federal Aid Programs

The Federal Pell Grant is based on demonstrated need and is awarded to students who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree. The maximum award amount is $6,345 for the year.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is based on exceptional financial need and is awarded to students who are enrolled at least half-time. This award ranges from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $500 per year. Funds are limited.

The Hawaiʻi Student Incentive Grant (HSIG) is a grant available to students who are residents of the State of Hawaiʻi, demonstrate exceptional financial need and are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Funds are limited.

The Federal Work-Study Program is based on demonstrated financial need and offers students the opportunity to earn their financial aid award through part-time employment on campus. Work hours are scheduled around a student’s class hours and it’s a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience while attending school.

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is made by the student and is based on financial need through the filing of a FAFSA. There is no interest accrual while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time. A fixed interest rate of 2.75% will be assigned to the loan at the point the student enters repayment. The maximum award is based on a student’s class standing – $3,500 per year for a first-year student and $4,500 per year for a second-year student. Repayment begins 6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is made by the student and has a fixed interest rate of 2.75%. The maximum award is based on a student’s dependency, status, level of need, and class standing. The maximum award is $9,500 per year for a first-year student and $10,500 per year for a second-year student. Repayment begins 6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) has a fixed interest rate of 5.30% and is made to a parent of dependent undergraduate students. The loan amount is based on the student’s cost of attendance minus any aid awarded to the student. Repayment of this loan begins 60 days after the funds are disbursed.

Hawaiʻi State Aid Programs

The UH Opportunity Grant is based on financial need and the student must be enrolled at least half-time. Funds are limited.

The Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver and the Hawaiʻi Second Century Scholars programs are based on native Hawaiian ancestry, demonstrated financial need through the filing of a FAFSA and the student must be enrolled at least half-time. Funds are limited. These awards do not have to be repaid and the filing of a FAFSA application is required.

The State Higher Education Loan (available only within the University of Hawaiʻi System) is a fixed, low-interest rate (5%) student loan for bona fide State of Hawaiʻi residents. The school is the lender for this type of loan program. The amounts offered by institutions vary but the maximum award at WCC is $3,000 per year. Interest accrual and repayment does not begin until 9 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. This type of loan has deferment and cancellation benefits.

The Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship is a last dollar need-based award toward the unmet direct cost need of qualified students enrolled at any community college campus of the University of Hawaiʻi. Direct cost for the purposes of awarding Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarships consists of tuition, fees, books and supplies, and transportation ($225/semester). Recipients must qualify for Hawaiʻi resident tuition, complete the FAFSA and accept all federal and state grants, scholarships, and other funding sources that do not require repayment, Recipients must also maintain satisfactory academic progress. Award amounts are contingent upon funding and individual students’ FAFSA information. Additional Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship details can be found in UH Executive Policy 6.204.