Financial Aid & Scholarships
What is Financial Aid?
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Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. This financial assistance covers educational expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are several types of financial aid, including grants and scholarships, work study and loans. Financial aid awards may include a combination of the various types of aid.
The Financial Aid Offices at each campus have professional staff members to administer the aid programs and advise students and their families regarding the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to them.
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What kind of financial aid can I receive?
Grants - Gift aid that is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Loans - These funds are borrowed and MUST be repaid once the student ceases to attend school or drops below half-time enrollment.
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Work Study - Federal and State funds that provide part-time employment for students who are enrolled at least half time. Students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the academic periods and 40 hours a week during the interim periods and breaks. Amount of aid varies.
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Scholarships - Gift aid that is awarded based on a variety of factors, such as academic achievement, leadership, field of study, and/or financial need. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
(http://uhcc.hawaii.edu/financial/)
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How can I apply for financial aid?
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1. File for the correct aid application
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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - www.fafsa.edu.gov
CA Dream - only eligible for California State Aid - www.caldreamact.org
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2. Submit a GPA verification form to the California Student Aid Commission for Cal Grant consideration at www.csac.ca.gov
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3. Submit any follow up documents that your college is asking for
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Annual Priority Deadline: March 2
To receive financial aid every year:
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1. Re-apply for aid every year (application opens October 1st)
2. Observe March 2nd deadline to be considered for all aid programs
3. Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree
Financial Aid Resources
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Financial Aid Forms
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Scholarships ​
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College Board Opportunity Scholarship Program - The College Board is investing $25 million in a new scholarship program, with students earning $5 million in scholarships each year, beginning with the class of 2020.
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National High School Essay Contest ​- The winner of this contest receives $2500, a trip to Washington, DC to meet the Secretary of State and a full scholarship for a Semester at Sea voyage. Visit their website for the essay topics and other important information.
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California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship - Foundation is proud to announce the 2019 CACESF scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who will be attending any accredited public or private college, university, or trade school within 12 months of the scholarship award. Applicants must write an original essay on “Why is unpaid debt collection so important to the US economy, and what personal finance strategies can you implement in your young adult life to ensure long-term personal financial stability?” For details on the scholarship and information on how you can help support the CAC Educational Scholarship Foundation, visit their website at cacesf.org.
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Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Scholarship – Foot Locker is offering twenty $20,000 scholarships to student athletes that have shown leadership within their teams, schools and communities. Applicants must be nominated. This award is open to all entering college freshman for fall who participate in a sport-related activity and who have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA.
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Gates Millennium Scholars Program – This is a renewable, need-based scholarship to provide financial support throughout the scholar’s undergraduate career. Eligibility is: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American; must be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the US; have at least a 3.3 GPA; planning to attend a US based university; have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service.
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Scholarship Sites:
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princetonreview.com - then look under “scholarship search”
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