What is Financial Aid?

The Basics

Financial Aid in a Nutshell

Financial aid is a general term that is used for scholarships, grants, loans and work study.

Understanding Grants
Understanding Scholarships
The Scholarship Bulletin is located in the Class of 2026 Post-High School google classroom. Please see Mrs. Ginny Yasutake in the College and Career Center (Hale Ka Mana’o - AA Building) for more information.
Understanding Loans
Understanding Work Study

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Opens on October 1st
for Seniors

The 2026-27 FAFSA form will be used by the Class of 2026 to apply for federal, state, and school-based financial aid.

It is important to be aware of deadlines. Many states and individual colleges have their own deadlines for financial aid, with some distributing aid on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please check the websites of the colleges you are interested in.

Filling out the FAFSA Application Form Page -What to know and tips. Click here for more information.

Need help completing the FAFSA?
FREE Virtual FAFSA Completion Webinars hosted by Hawai'i P-20 and Gear Up Hawai'i.

Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

- December 3, 10, 17

- January 14, 21, 28

- February 4, 11, 18, 25

- March 4, 11

Click here to register for a virtual event or

go to collegeiswithinreachhawaii.com

College Board's CSS Profile

Another Type of Financial Aid Application

What is the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is an online financial aid application that collects information used by nearly 400 college and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid. Some colleges may require the CSS Profile from both biological/adoptive parents in cases of divorce or separation.

Unlike the FAFSA which is FREE, there is a $25 application fee for the CSS Profile. Fee waivers are available if students qualify for an SAT fee waiver, the student is an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24 or based on parental income and family size. CSS Profile will determine eligibility, no separate form or application will be needed to receive a CSS Profile fee waiver.