Understanding Your Award
Your award letter from UH West O’ahu will contain important information about the aid you are being offered. Please read it carefully and always keep a copy readily available for reference.
You will be notified via email when your Award letter is ready to be viewed on your MyUH Services tab. All subsequent Revised Award Letters will only be posted to your MyUH Services account.
Financial Need
A student’s Financial Need is calculated as the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA), sometimes referred to as the student’s “budget”, and the Student Aid Index (SAI). Once the student’s financial need is established, the Financial Aid Office will determine a financial aid award.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance budget for the period covered by the financial aid award is comprised of the following components:
- Tuition
- Student Fees
- Books & Supplies
- Food & Housing
- Transportation
- Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses
These budgets will vary in total amounts depending on the number of credit hours for which the student is enrolled and whether the student will be living at home or off-campus.
The Student Aid Index
Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number that helps your school figure out how much financial support you might need. It ranges from -1500 to 999999, with a negative SAI indicating a higher financial need. For instance, an SAI of -1500 means you have a significant financial need and might qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, assuming you meet all eligibility requirements and haven’t used up your lifetime limit.
It’s important to note that your SAI is not the exact amount of aid you’ll receive, what your family is expected to contribute, or your final financial aid offer. Instead, it’s an index used by financial aid professionals to help determine your aid package. The SAI is calculated based on information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Award
Award funds are listed by name on your financial aid award letter and are broken down by semester. If you have been awarded aid for a semester that you do not plan to be here, please notify our office immediately so an adjustment or correction can be made.
Accepting Your Award
To review and accept your award, please visit the MyUH Services tab.