UH reduces tuition increase, UH Hilo financial aid office responds quickly
The change has prompted the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office to repackage over 600 awards.
The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is now even more affordable for the coming academic year, thanks to the UH Board of Regents recently voting to limit the scheduled tuition increase for Hawai‘i residents. This change affects tuition increases previously approved in 2011 for all campuses. UH Hilo’s increase changes from seven to four percent.
This change has prompted the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office to “repackage over 600 awards,” says Gail Makuakāne-Lundin, interin vice chancellor for student affairs. She credits Sherrie Padilla, executive director of enrollment and director of financial aid, and her team with working extremely hard to complete this work as timely as possible.
To reach out to perspective students, the Financial Aid Office and Admissions Office have sent out messages via email and social media to individuals who have applied and have not completed the application process or have not submitted their intent to enroll about the our tuition reset for this fall.
“Recognizing that making a college education accessible to the students and families of Hawai’i is both a priority for the university and in the best interest of our community, the Board of Regents has voted to limit the UH Hilo tuition increase for Hawai’i residents to only four percent,” says Zach Street, interim director of admissions at UH Hilo in an email sent out to prospective students mid-June. “This will reduce the tuition cost to our resident students by hundreds of dollars for the coming academic year.”
“As you are preparing for the upcoming fall semester, and perhaps still deciding which university is the best match, and most affordable, for your college goals, we hope our lower tuition cost helps make UH Hilo the best value for your future.”
For more information about UH Hilo programs, tuition, or how to enroll at UH Hilo for the upcoming fall 2015 semester, contact admission counselors Scott Hamilton or Tiani Anang-Shimabukuro, both recent graduates of UH Hilo. “They know just what it takes to make affording, enrolling, and graduating from UH Hilo a reality, and they are ready to speak with you regarding any questions you may have,” says Street in the message.
About the writer of this story: Susan Enright is a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
