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Financial Aid & Scholarships

FAQ for Returned Missionaries

As you return home from your mission and prepare for college, consider choosing a university where spiritual growth is valued just as much as academic achievement. At BYU–Hawaii, you’ll receive a well-rounded education that combines rigorous academics with meaningful cultural and faith-based experiences.

Here, you can continue your spiritual journey through Church leadership opportunities, weekly devotionals, and service activities. You’ll also connect with fellow Latter-day Saints from around the world who share your values and standards.

BYU–Hawaii warmly welcomes returned missionaries. Your dedication and commitment to living the gospel will strengthen the unique spirit of our campus community.

Below, you’ll find answers to common financial aid questions from returned missionaries to assist you in the planning for your academic journey here at BYU–Hawaii.

Questions Returned Missionaries Frequently Ask

  • BYU–Hawaii offers several forms of financial aid, including the Hukilau work-study program, departmental scholarships, and federal assistance for qualified students. Returned missionaries may be eligible for the Returned Missionary Scholarship, which provides full tuition for one semester.

    To qualify, individuals must have served in some capacity as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For detailed eligibility requirements and application deadlines, please visit the Returned Missionary Scholarship page on the BYU–Hawaii website.
  • All students are expected to maintain good academic standing every semester to qualify for financial aid. Various forms of aid offered at BYU–Hawaii require students to maintain a 2.0 GPA. Specific details are found on the respective webpages for each scholarship.

    Students on any work-study program are expected to be enrolled in at least 12 credits in fall and winter, and 8 credits in spring. In the event of a reduced course load, students cannot be enrolled in less than half-time status. Summer is not an official term as it is only meant for internship enrollment, therefore no merit or departmental scholarships are available at that time.

    Students expecting Federal Aid must submit a current FAFSA each academic year to receive any form of federal assistance such as Pell grants or Stafford loans.
  • Each semester, students can expect an award letter sent to their email each time they are awarded some form of financial aid. The aid will be disbursed into and reflected on their account throughout the semester. Students should regularly visit their student account to ensure their balance and aid is reflected appropriately. Please reach out to Financial Aid & Scholarships for any questions or concerns about your student account.
  • Our office has several Financial Aid Counselors who are happy and eager to meet with students each day. Students may schedule an appointment by calling (808) 675-3316, emailing financialaid@byuh.edu, or placing a ticket online to meet with them for any personalized inquires. Our Student Associates are also trained and prepared to meet with and assist with all student inquiries.
  • All charges on a student’s account are due on the last day of the semester. This means that students have the entire semester to pay off any balances on their account. A hold will be placed on students’ accounts if the balances remain unpaid after the deadline and will prevent the student from enrolling or making changes to their schedule for the future semester. Outstanding balances that still have yet to be paid once the new semester has begun will result in the students’ classes being dropped. All efforts and attempts to fully pay outstanding balances should be planned out and done before the end of the semester to avoid any potential issues.
  • Students’ eligibility for Pell Grants and Subsidized/unsubsidized loans hinges on their FAFSA submission. Upon completing the FAFSA, students can expect an email from Studentaid.gov confirming their submission and providing a brief overview of what they can expect.
    Other forms of federal aid may include TEACH Grants and Parent PLUS loans.

    Students can review the work-study pages on the Financial Aid & Scholarships website for the specific edibility requirements regarding the IWORK and Hukilau work-study programs.
  • Yes, BYU–Hawaii provides a Returned Missionary Scholarship that awards full tuition for one semester to eligible students. Specific eligibility requirements and details about the scholarship can be found on the Returned Missionary Scholarship webpage here.
  • The Returned Missionary Scholarship may be combined with the Dean’s List and department scholarships. Students participating in any of the work-study programs are not eligible to receive this scholarship. It can also be used subsequently with the Seminary Graduate Scholarship offered here at BYU–Hawaii.
  • One benefit of BYU–Hawaii's innovative academic calendar is that a new semester is always just around the corner. Regarding financial aid opportunities, the Dean’s List and Seminary Graduate scholarships may be deferred if you are coming home from your mission later than expected. The Returned Missionary Scholarship must be applied for within your first year of returning home and must be used during your first semester at BYU–H.