Types of Aid

Grants

Grants are a form of aid that does not need to be repaid. Eligibility is based upon financial need as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The following are the types of grant aid programs that are offered:

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants do not need to be repaid (unless you do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements) and are available to students who have not received a Bachelor's Degree or higher.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) does not need to be repaid (unless you do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements) and are available to students with exceptional financial need and are enrolled in at least half-time status. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Honolulu CC Opportunity Grants
Honolulu CC Opportunity Grants are available to students who are enrolled in at least half-time status, show demonstrated financial need, and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements. Applicants must apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Scholarships

Honolulu Community College scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, academic performance, and/or financial need. View the Scholarship Opportunities page for available scholarships.

Tuition Waivers

A state funded waiver to waive Honolulu Community College tuition charges only. The student will be responsible to pay for any part of tuition not covered by the waiver and student activity and publication fees. The following are the types of waiver that are offered:

Native Hawaiian Tuition Waivers
Native Hawaiian Tuition Waivers were established to support the increased number of Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian students seeking a degree in higher education. This program is available to Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian students who are enrolled in at least half-time status, demonstrates financial need, maintains satisfactory academic progress requirements and maintains a GPA of at least 2.0. Applicants must apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and will be asked to submit a personal statement. Recipients of the tuition waiver will be required to attend an orientation session, counseling sessions, and participate in Malama Aina Days.

Federal Work Study

A work program that is Federal funded. Provides part-time on-campus and community service job opportunities to help students earn money (up to their awarded amount) and gain valuable work experience. Eligibility is based upon financial need as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Loans

Loans are borrowed monies that must be repaid with interest. The following are the types of loans that are offered:

Federal Perkins Loan Program
Federal Perkins Loan Program (formerly NDSL) is a long-term loan program that must be repaid with a fixed interest rate of 5%. Repayment and interest begins nine months after the student drops below half-time status. Deferment options are available for students who are not able to pay the minimum monthly payment. Loan amounts are based on demonstrated financial need and availability of funds.

Federal Direct Loan Program
Federal Direct Loan Program is a long-term loan program that must be repaid with a fixed interest rate. These loans are borrowed from the Federal government. There are three types of Direct Loans:

Federal Subsidized Direct Loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% (for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012) and begins to accrue 30 days after the student drops below half-time status or leaves school. Repayment begins six months after the student drops below half-time status and deferment options are available for students who are not able to pay the minimum monthly payment. The annual loan limit differs depending on the students' academic level and existing subsidized loan balances.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% (for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012) and interest begins to accrue on the loan once the funds are disbursed. Repayment begins six months after the student drops below half-time status and deferment options are available for students who are not able to pay the minimum monthly payment. The annual loan limit differs depending on the students' academic level, dependency status, and existing subsidized and unsubsidized loan balances.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time status and are based on credit history. This loan has a fixed interest rate of 7.9% (for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012). Parents can borrow up to the calculated cost of attendance minus other aid the student is receiving.

State Higher Education Loans (SHEL)
State Higher Education Loans (SHEL) are available to Hawaii residents and must be repaid with a fixed interest rate of 5%. Repayment and interest begins nine months after the student drops below half-time status and deferment options are available for students who are not able to pay the minimum monthly payment. Loan amounts are based on demonstrated financial need and availability of funds.