Learn about Honolulu Community College’s criteria for determining who is a Hawai‘i resident for tuition purposes.
Establishing Residency in the State of Hawaiʻi for Tuition Purposes
The University of Hawaiʻi, like all public institutions of higher learning, has residency requirements for payment of resident tuition. Similar to those in other states, these requirements are complex. Consequently, students applying to Honolulu Community College often have questions about their residency status as it applies to tuition.
This page is designed to acquaint you with the University of Hawaiʻi’s residency regulations and to answer questions you might have. The information provided is not a complete explanation of residency laws and regulations. Furthermore, residency rules may change as a result of legislation or administrative action. Residency Officers on all campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi have the most up-to-date information on all aspects of residency. Detailed information is available in Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules Title 20, Chapter 4: Determination of Residency as Applied to Tuition and Admission (PDF).
In general, except as otherwise provided by the Board of Regents, in order to be considered a resident for tuition purposes, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident for one calendar year (365 days). You cannot maintain domicile in Hawaiʻi and another place simultaneously.
For further clarification of our residency laws and regulations, please call 808-845-9129 or email us at honcc@hawaii.edu.
Residency FAQs
Misrepresentation: A student or prospective student who intentionally or willfully misrepresents any fact on any form or document intended for use in determination of residency status for tuition purposes will be subject to the regular disciplinary measures of the University of Hawaiʻi.