Kauaʻi CC Offers First-Year Tuition Scholarship
Overview of the Hoʻolei Scholarship
Purpose and Goals of the Program
The
Hoʻolei Scholarship is an exciting new opportunity created to support local students in Hawaiʻi as they begin their higher education journey. By covering first-year tuition costs at
Kauaʻi Community College (Kauaʻi CC), the program aims to ease the financial burden for graduating high school seniors and encourage more students to pursue degree pathways close to home.
Who Is Offering the Scholarship
The scholarship is being launched by Kauaʻi Community College, one of the institutions within the
University of Hawaiʻi System. Designed with local students in mind, the Hoʻolei Scholarship integrates with existing state and federal
financial aid resources to help make a college education achievable and affordable.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
To be considered for the Hoʻolei Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduating high school senior residing in Hawaiʻi
- Plan to enroll at Kauaʻi Community College in Fall 2026
- Be pursuing an associate degree or certificate program at Kauaʻi CC
Financial Aid Requirements
The scholarship is structured around need-based support. As such, students must:
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Apply for all other available forms of financial assistance
- Remain in good academic and enrollment standing at Kauaʻi CC
There is no separate application form specifically for the Hoʻolei Scholarship—your FAFSA and general college admission application serve as your application for this opportunity.
Scholarship Coverage and Financial Benefits
What Costs Are Covered
The Hoʻolei Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition during a student’s first year at Kauaʻi Community College. This generous award is applied after all other scholarships, grants, and financial aid have been used, meaning it covers any remaining tuition costs that are not already taken care of.
How the Award Is Applied
Here’s how the award works:
- Students submit their FAFSA to be considered for state and federal financial aid
- Any aid received is applied toward tuition costs
- The Hoʻolei Scholarship then fills in the gap, ensuring that no eligible student pays out-of-pocket for their first-year tuition
It essentially acts as a tuition waiver—giving students peace of mind and the freedom to focus on academics instead of how to afford college.
How to Apply for the Hoʻolei Scholarship
FAFSA Completion
The cornerstone of the application process is completing the FAFSA. Here’s what applicants need to do:
- Visit studentaid.gov and fill out the FAFSA form
- Use the school code for Kauaʻi Community College to ensure your application is sent to them
- Submit the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your eligibility
Remember, since the Hoʻolei Scholarship is based on need, FAFSA data is vital for determining how much support you can receive.
Enrollment at Kauaʻi Community College
Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA, the next step is to apply to Kauaʻi CC:
- Complete and submit the college’s standard admission application
- Select your preferred associate degree or certificate program
- After admission, work with the financial aid office to ensure all required documents are in place
By completing both the FAFSA and college application, you're automatically put into consideration for the Hoʻolei Scholarship. No additional applications, essays, or interviews are required.
Important Dates to Remember
While exact deadlines were not mentioned, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- FAFSA Opens: Typically opens in October each year (visit studentaid.gov for exact dates)
- Kauaʻi CC Admission Applications: Should be submitted at least several months before the start of Fall 2026
- Scholarship Applies: For the Fall 2026 entering class
Tip: Reach out to
school counselors and the Kauaʻi CC financial aid department early to stay on track.
Why Choose Kauaʻi Community College
There are several compelling reasons why students should seriously consider Kauaʻi CC:
- Cost-Effective Education: With the Hoʻolei Scholarship and financial aid, many students can attend for free in their first year
- Supportive Environment: Small class sizes, close community, and personalized attention
- Local Opportunities: Study while staying on-island, preserving family ties, and serving the local economy
- Pathway to Four-Year Degrees: Many graduates transfer to four-year programs through the University of Hawaiʻi system
For Hawaiʻi's high school seniors, Kauaʻi CC presents a high-value, low-barrier pathway to further education—and now, thanks to the Hoʻolei Scholarship, it’s more accessible than ever.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps for Students
For graduating high school seniors in Hawaiʻi, the Kauaʻi CC Hoʻolei Scholarship brings an excellent opportunity to begin college without worrying about tuition costs. With no separate scholarship application required and coverage of first-year tuition after financial aid is applied, it’s a straightforward way to make higher education more affordable.
If you’re a high school senior or the parent of one, take action early:
- Start your FAFSA as soon as it opens
- Apply for admission to Kauaʻi Community College
- Work with your school counselor or future college advisor to submit all required documents
Investing the time now can pay off in a tuition-free first year at one of Hawaiʻi’s respected community colleges. Don’t miss out on this chance to get a head start on your college journey with the support and affordability that only programs like the Hoʻolei Scholarship can provide.
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