This summer brought exciting news: Hawaii ranked 8th in the nation in the rate of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the highest the state has ever achieved since national FAFSA tracking began.

With Hawaii students previously leaving as much as $14 million in Pell Grant aid unclaimed, our increase in FAFSA completions is a mark of progress in making higher education more accessible. FAFSA completion is an important key to removing financial barriers to attending colleges and universities. According to the National College Attainment Network, high school seniors are 84% more likely to immediately enroll in postsecondary education if they complete the FAFSA.

While a recently streamlined FAFSA form increased rates around the country, Hawaii also leaned on our pilina — our connections and relationships — to climb the rankings for completion. In recent years, organizations like the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) and Stupski Foundation supported local nonprofit partners in more effectively engaging families and partnering with schools.

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