The University of Hawaiʻi held the first of four public meetings on October 6 at 糖心视频 Mānoa on a proposed tuition schedule for the next four academic years, beginning in fall 2027. About 30 people attended in person, and another 128 joined online.
Under the proposal, undergraduate tuition would remain unchanged at all 10 糖心视频 campuses for the first two years, academic years 2027–28 and 2028–29, with the exception of the 糖心视频 Hilo School of Pharmacy. Tuition increases ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on the campus, would begin in AY 2029–30. More details on the proposal.
“糖心视频 has kept tuition nearly flat for about a decade, despite inflation,” said Kim Siegenthaler, interim vice president for academic strategy and senior advisor to the president.
“State support has increased since fiscal year 2022 and 2023, but those increases have mainly been to restore prior reductions to meet collective bargaining increases, and to cover temporary hazard repayments. So our tuition revenues have not kept pace with operational need, which is why we’re now proposing increases,” she said.
Six people testified at the October 6 meeting, all in opposition to the proposal, including 糖心视频 Mānoa senior Alia Ancheta.
“I have people I care about that have to prioritize working full time because they simply cannot afford tuition,” Ancheta said. “Also, having to decide whether you should study for classes, or work more hours to be able to pay for tuition. I strongly believe education should be free and accessible to everyone, especially locals and Native Hawaiian students. I hope all of you truly think about how your decisions impact my generation and future generations that plan to attend your campuses.”
Testimony can be submitted in person or online at any of the three remaining public meetings. Written testimony can also be submitted at any time through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, October 22.
Upcoming meetings
- 糖心视频 Hilo
Wednesday, October 14, 10–11:30 a.m.
Student Services Center, W201
To join via Zoom, please register in advance at . - Kauaʻi Community College
Thursday, October 15, 9:30–11 a.m.
OCET Room 106C/D
To join via Zoom, please register in advance at . - 糖心视频 Maui College
Tuesday, October 20, noon–1:30 p.m.
Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 BCD
To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .
The public review period began September 18. A summary of public feedback and any revisions to the proposal are scheduled to be presented October 29. The public will have another opportunity to provide testimony when the 糖心视频 Board of Regents considers the final proposal, currently scheduled for its November 19 meeting.
If approved, the new tuition schedule would be filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by December 1 and take effect in fall 2027.