University of Hawaii Proposes Tuition Increases Across System

The University of Hawaii (UH) has announced a proposal to increase tuition at UH Hilo and other campuses systemwide. The plan forms part of a new four-year tuition schedule and is set to be reviewed by the UH Board of Regents in November 2026.

Details of the Proposed UH Hilo Tuition Increase

Under the proposal, tuition at UH Hilo would remain frozen for the next two academic years. Starting in the 2029-30 school year, tuition rates would rise by 3% annually for both in-state and out-of-state students. This means resident tuition would increase from $7,632 to $7,872 in 2029-30, and to $8,112 in 2030-31.

Similar tuition hikes are planned for UH West Oahu, which would also see 3% annual increases after a two-year freeze. At UH Manoa, the state's flagship campus, tuition would increase by 5% per year beginning in 2029-30.

Impact on Other UH System Colleges

The recommended changes affect several other institutions within the UH system. At the community college level, lower-division resident tuition per credit would move from $131 to $135 in 2029-30, and to $139 in 2030-31. Notably, the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at UH Hilo would see a 5% annual increase in tuition beginning in the 2027-28 school year, skipping the two-year freeze applied elsewhere.

Rationale Behind the Tuition Hike

UH administrators state that the proposed tuition increases are needed to address rising operating costs. According to officials, tuition at UH campuses has remained stable for most of the past decade, with tuition and fees unchanged from fiscal years 2021 through 2025. State appropriations have helped keep tuition affordable, but have recently been allocated to restore previous budget reductions, increase collective bargaining, and provide temporary hazard pay.

The university has also highlighted its financial aid efforts. Preliminary data indicate that UH awarded nearly $158 million in grants and scholarships to 22,598 undergraduates during the 2025-26 academic year, with nearly 60% of degree-seeking undergraduates receiving some form of grant or scholarship.

Student Concerns Over College Affordability

The proposal has been met with apprehension from some UH Hilo students, who worry the hikes could hinder access to higher education. Kanoe Piltz, a 22-year-old biology major, emphasized that increased tuition might reduce enrollment and limit unique educational opportunities, especially for future generations of Hawaiian students.

Prenursing students Smaiterly Poch and Luann Luke expressed concern about affordability and whether financial aid will suffice if tuition rises. Poch also highlighted potential issues for workforce sectors like healthcare, stating, “If they need more [nurses], then why are they gonna make it expensive for you?”

Public Input and Next Steps

The tuition proposal will be discussed at public meetings across UH campuses, including an upcoming session at UH Hilo on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Student Services Center, W201. Additional meetings are scheduled at Kauai Community College and UH Maui College. More information, including ways to register and submit testimony, is available at tinyurl.com/5enchxbc.

Feedback from these meetings will be reviewed by university officials and presented to the Board of Regents at its November 19 meeting. The outcome could shape tuition policy at UH campuses through the start of the next decade.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com.