State Tackles Rural Healthcare Shortage with Tuition Program

The state of Hawaii has launched a major new effort to address its ongoing rural healthcare shortage by offering to pay full tuition for students pursuing health care professions, in exchange for a five-year work commitment in rural areas. The program is made possible through federal funding and is administered by the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and the Hawaii Outreach for Medical Education in Rural Under-Resourced Neighborhoods (HOME RUN) initiative.

How the Tuition Payment Program Works

Through the tuition payment program, selected students can have their entire medical or health career tuition paid directly to their academic institution, covering up to $400,000 per student. In return, participants must work full-time in a designated rural area of Hawaii for five years after graduation—and for medical students, after completing their residency. Rural areas include any neighbor island as well as parts of Oahu’s west and north sides, such as Waianae, Waialua, Haleiwa, Kahuku, Laie, and Hauula. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents enrolled full time in accredited health or health IT programs, maintaining at least C-level academic performance.

Strong Demand and Broad Eligibility

The initiative has generated significant interest since its launch in April. Over 500 applications have been received, and so far 180 have been accepted, with about 150 students already under contract, according to program administrator Kelley Withy. The applicant pool includes future acupuncturists, dentists, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, ultrasound technicians, and speech language pathologists.

Most students applying come from Hawaii, though there are also applicants from other states and U.S. territories, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New York, American Samoa, Guam, and Palau.

Personal Stories: Relief from Student Debt

Kaz Tachino, a first-year JABSOM medical student from Aiea, expressed immense relief at the opportunity, given existing student loan debt from earlier studies. For Ashleigh Kissinger, training to be a mental health nurse practitioner at Chaminade University, the program represents a “game changer” in her ability to manage education costs while serving the community. Both students expressed a willingness to fulfill the rural service work commitment, with Kissinger especially motivated to provide mental health care to underprivileged populations.

Terms, Incentives, and Additional Grants

The tuition payment acts as a workforce incentive and part of Hawaii’s rural health transformation plan. Commitment begins upon job placement, with an interim period for licensing. If recipients do not complete the required five years, they must repay 110% of the tuition amount, with a 10% interest rate, and tuition payments are considered taxable income.

HOME RUN also offers other financial supports, including a $200,000 grant for rural healthcare providers, $50,000 for ongoing education, $75,000 for provider retention, and $100,000 for recruitment in rural areas. Nearly 800 providers have applied for the $200,000 “rural practice leadership and sustainability” grant, open to independent and relocating practitioners.

Impact on Hawaii’s Healthcare Workforce Shortage

Hawaii’s doctor shortage has been acute for decades. In 2025, the state was short nearly 833 full-time equivalent physicians, including a gap of almost 180 primary care doctors. According to the latest report, the situation is improving slightly, with current shortages closer to 700 full-time equivalent physicians. Administrators hope that tuition assistance and other incentives will encourage students and professionals to remain in rural communities even after their commitment ends.

How to Apply

Applications for the tuition payment program are accepted on a rolling basis. Full eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at hbmcfoundation.org/homerun.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com.