FAQ: FINANCIAL AID

1. How do I apply for financial aid as a new student to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa?

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on paper or on-line at fafsa.ed.gov. Indicate UHM’s school code, 001610, on the form. The earliest that it can be submitted to the federal processors is October 1. ‹ You should apply for financial aid as early as possible, but you must be accepted for admission to UHM for your financial aid package to be processed and awarded. (It is best to apply early for admission to the university.) ‹ Some students are selected for verification by the federal processors and must submit additional documents (e.g. copies of tax returns), before their financial aid package can be awarded. If your Student Aid Report indicates that your application has been selected, documents requested must be immediately submitted to the Financial Aid office for timely processing.

2. What types of financial aid do you offer?

There are three basic types of financial aid. Grants and scholarships are forms of “gift aid”. Grants are usually based upon financial need; scholarships may be based on academic achievement, leadership and/ or financial need. Loans are borrowed monies that must be repaid after graduation or leaving school. Work-study are funds earned in payment for a job. With the exception of scholarships, the aid offered is dependent upon the results of the FAFSA.

3. What is the priority date for financial aid applications?

February 1; your FAFSA must be filed by this date and you must be accepted for admission to the university by this date to be in the priority group of students receiving financial aid packages.

4. Where can I find a list of scholarships available?

Go to the financial aid website hawaii.edu/fas and click on scholarships under helpful links. You will find links to scholarship sites here. Also, upon acceptance to the university, you will have access to the STAR scholarship search site in your MyUH.

5. Is there a tuition installment payment plan available?

Yes, a plan is available for the fall and spring semesters. There is a $30 non-refundable fee to sign up for the plan. Visit the website at myuhinfo.hawaii.edu/object/paymentfaq.html for more information.