Grants

Grants are a form of aid that does not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined based upon financial need. The following are the types of grant aid programs that are offered at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu.

Federal Pell Grant
A federal grant for students with exceptional financial need and have not earned their first baccalaureate degree. To qualify for a Pell Grant, you must be enrolled at least half-time. In some cases, less than half-time students may qualify. Award amounts, based on a student’s EFC, are determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on congressional funding.

Important Changes to the Federal Pell Grant Program
In January 2012, Public Law 112-74 amended HEA section 401(c)(5) to reduce the duration of a student’s eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant from 18 semesters (or its equivalent) to 12 semesters (or its equivalent). This provision applies to all Federal Pell Grant eligible students effective with the 2012-13 award year. The calculation of the duration of a student’s eligibility will include all years of the student’s receipt of Federal Pell Grant funding.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
A federal grant for students with exceptional financial need (eligible fot a Federal Pell Grant) and must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). Award amount varies.

Hawaiʻi Student Incentive Grant
A federal grant program with matching state funds. Must be a resident of Hawaiʻi with exceptional financial need (eligible for a Federal Pell Grant) and enrolled at least half-time. This award is also known as the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP). Award amount varies.

University of Hawaiʻi Opportunity Grant
A university grant program for students with financial need intended to protect the access of low-income students to higher education. To be eligible for an Opportunity Grant, an individual must: Demonstrated financial need (completion of FAFSA required); be a resident of Hawaiʻi; classified undergraduate student; enrolled at least half-time (6 credits); continuing students must be making satisfactory academic progress, per federal guidelines. Award amount varies.