What You Should Know About Graduating From College in Hawaii
Before opting for a college in Hawaii, it’s important to consider whether the most popular industries in the state are compatible with your planned field of study. In Hawaii, the five most dominant industries include government; trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; retail trade; and professional and business services.
There are approximately 120 occupations for those with undergraduate degrees in Hawaii that are projected to experience significant growth between 2016 and 2026. The top five fastest-growing occupations in Hawaii include software developers, athletic trainers, information security analysts, operations research analysts, and religious workers.
Hawaii is home to several large corporations that employ the majority of people in the state. With approximately 10,000 employees, Altres Industrial is the largest employer. Other large employers include Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Bank of Hawaii, Aloha Air Cargo, and the Hawaii State Police Department. A full list of the top 50 employers in Hawaii can be found here.
What’s Next?
Going to college in Hawaii is a big investment, but there are several resources available to help you obtain financial assistance to pay for your education. The following resources provide information and access to grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help fund your education.
- Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP). HPEAP provides oversight for colleges in Hawaii and helps students connect with federal and state programs to help them pay for their degrees. The program also enables students to submit their high school transcripts online.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA is an application that students submit to determine their eligibility for need-based loans, grants, and scholarships. To determine whether you’re eligible to submit a FAFSA application, follow this link. To fill out an application online, click here.
- CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and provides robust information on financial aid in Hawaii. You can customize your search results depending on your level of study and where you intend to pursue your degree. Then, you will receive relevant information regarding available loans, grants, and scholarships.