Brigham Young University–Hawaii is making changes to student financial aid to better align with the mission of the university. These adjustments will take effect beginning with the Fall 2022 Semester.
In October 2021, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland urged BYU–Hawaii to serve latter-day saints “from Hawaii itself, from other islands of the Pacific ... and from the broad semi-circle of the Asian rim.” He continued saying, “We are in hopes that an ever-larger population of students and future leaders will come from these lands." T. James Faustino, dean of students, said, “These financial aid changes are part of our continuing efforts to provide access to education and support BYU–Hawaii students.”
Scholarships
The Dean's List Scholarship will replace the University Merit Scholarship. Each semester, any student who achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher will be placed on the dean's list and considered for a $500 scholarship for the subsequent semester. Previously, the University Merit Scholarship included awards in varying amounts based on cumulative grade point averages. Applications are not necessary. Students participating in one of the university's work-study programs will be eligible to receive the Dean’s List Scholarship.
The Pacific Area Scholarship (PAS) provides recipients with full tuition, room, board, and books for all four years for those who maintain eligibility. It also includes a travel stipend to help cover transportation to BYU–Hawaii and your return home upon graduation (one round trip total).
The David O. McKay Scholarship will include half or full-tuition scholarships for one year. Previously, the David O. McKay scholarship was awarded for one semester in varying amounts. These scholarships are awarded based on the information provided in an applicant’s admissions application; no additional scholarship application is necessary.
Work-study Programs
BYU–Hawaii is committed to providing access to educational opportunities regardless of students’ financial resources. BYU–Hawaii’s unique work-study programs provide a path to educational success for students who have financial need. BYU–Hawaii has greatly expanded its support for the work-study programs creating opportunities for additional participants.
There are no changes in requirements or eligibility for the IWORK program for the upcoming Fall 2022 Semester. BYU–Hawaii expects to increase the number of IWORK participants from approximately 950 students at present to 1,200 in 2022. As announced earlier this year, the forgivable loan portion of the IWORK program has been discontinued. The amount that was allocated as a loan in previous versions of the program is now issued as a grant.
The Hukilau Program is a work-study program for domestic students. A scholarship application and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form are required to determine financial need. Students must now apply for a federal Pell Grant to be considered for this program.
Students who face financial hardship following the changes in fall 2022 will be asked to apply for the IWORK or Hukilau Program. If a student is not selected for a work-study program, they may appeal to the dean of students for consideration of other means of financial aid.