Hawaii Residency Rules
Difficulty
If you’re wanting to relocate to Hawaii (who wouldn’t?), earning in-state residency is possible and within reach for many. That’s a whole lot of good: paradise that’s affordable. Lots of people want to move and attend universities in Hawaii so, as you may imagine, getting in-state tuition isn’t just some minor formality: it takes proof, desire, dedication.
The financial independence requirements are medium-hard, establishing domicile is complicated due to the geography and economy of Hawaii, but the most major obstacle is compellingly demonstrating you are in the state for primary purposes other than education. If you take 5 or more credits during your domicile year, you’re disqualified from earning in-state. That leaves only those willing to take a gap-year (pretty close to a gap-year anyway) who can qualify.
You’re encouraged to learn more about what we call a “productive gap-year” and consider the pros and cons. There are few places better (that I can think of ) to spend a productive gap-year.
Hawaii Reciprocity Agreements:
Hawaii is a member state of the Western Undergraduate Exchange which is a limited regional reciprocity agreement among select Western States. Favorable college tuition rates in nearby states are sometimes possible through reciprocity although many restrictions apply.
See Tuition Reciprocity Agreements Explained
See Tuition Reciprocity Agreements Overpromise & Under-Deliver
University-Specific Overviews Below:
Universities in Hawaii have differing interpretations of the state laws so you’re encouraged to know exactly what you’re getting into on a university by university basis. It’s an awful waste to think you’re on the right track for in-state status, make plans, and work hard only to find out you’ve spent a year in vain—don’t be that person.
Below please find links to in-state overviews for select universities in Hawaii. If your college is not highlighted, then please consider buying a University-Specific Nutshell Report or see all available university-specific in-state overviews.
Popular Universities in Hawaii:
University of Hawaii-Manoa
Other Universities in Hawaii:
University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine-Manoa
University of Hawaii-Hilo
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Every College in Hawaii Is Unique
Just as every state has its own in-state regulations, each college in the state has its own interpretations. Learn everything important about how to actually earn in-state tuition at the university in Hawaii you’re most interested in.