Local Resources

Here are a few resources for students and families looking to learn more about higher education and how to pay for it.

  • Ching Consulting works with Hawaiʻi students, schools, and organizations to get students prepared financially and academically for higher education.

  • Did you know some schools meet 100% of demonstrated financial need? Here is the list.

  • Getting an idea of how much financial aid you could qualify for can help you plan for your future (though it is no substitute for completing the FAFSA!). This financial aid calculator from Brown University came to us highly recommended.

Policy Resources

With so much happening in this area of policy, we'll be sharing out the latest research and developments from around the country.

  • The 74: After a multi-year evaluation revealed that nearly half of all graduates were not meeting the minimum criteria for entry into the state’s public colleges and universities, Rhode Island aligned its graduation standards to match college-eligibility standards. The state now makes FAFSA a requirement, adds real-world courses, and ends seat time as a credit criteria, thereby reimagining high school graduation standards.

  • K-12 Dive: Recent research shows that Generation Z values postsecondary education but is increasingly interested in alternatives to four-year colleges such as community college, career and technical education, and on-the-job training. Additionally, 90% said the government and private sector have the societal responsibility to play pivotal roles in defraying the cost of higher education.

  • University of Hawaii: The total outstanding U.S. college-loan balances came in at nearly $1.64 trillion, however, Hawaii ranks 2nd overall in the nation with lowest amount of student debt. The University of Hawaii’s President cites UH's “superb affordable options for local residents, excellent financial aid, and fantastic range of excellent educational opportunities at every level” for the remarkable success.

  • Higher Ed Dive: In an effort to make tuition prices more transparent, colleges across America are decreasing their ticket price to reflect the relative price most students pay after discounts. In a recent study by Sallie Mae, 81% of students said they eliminated colleges based on price before even applying, meaning they had no knowledge of what they would actually pay after discounting and financial aid. For example, Colby-Sawyer College cut its price from $46,364 to $17,500, a drop of more than 60% in an effort to meet their bottomline.

  • Read this Brookings article to better understand how the total cost of college affects different income levels and some of the intrinsic problems with college pricing. 

  • Read this article by U-Aspire to better understand universal FAFSA policies in individual states and how students’ access to and completion of FAFSA impacts college-going rates. 

  • Check out this brief by the Urban Institute that highlights how a universal FAFSA policy in Texas positively impacted students, particularly low-income students. 

  • This article by the National College Attainment Network describes Indiana’s legislation to mandate FAFSA completion for graduation, and recommendations for other states considering similar policies. 

  • This Advance CTE article dives deep into the Arkansas Career Coach program, a strategic approach to investing into college access through people and college counseling. 

  • Read this NCES report for a deep, clear understanding of how counselors can help students have better access to financial aid for college.