A new University of Hawaiʻi System report reveals that many students continue to face significant challenges meeting their basic needs, including food, housing, healthcare, hygiene, clothing, transportation and technology. The Landscape Assessment of Student Basic Needs Insecurity in the University of Hawaiʻi System, released in 2025 by Albie Miles and Konstantinos Zougris, professors from UH West Oʻahu, surveyed 2,704 students across all 10 campuses and provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots to date of how these issues affect academic success and overall well-being.
Widespread insecurities
The study found that:
- 60% of students experienced at least one form of food insecurity, with 40% reporting going hungry in the past year due to lack of money.
- 25% of students identified as housing insecure, and 20% reported not having a safe place to sleep.
- 30% of students did not seek medical care when needed because of financial barriers, and 23% reported no access to health insurance.
- 25% of students faced hygiene insecurity, while another 25% struggled with clothing insecurity, sometimes missing class as a result.
- 14% of students reported unreliable internet access, limiting their ability to complete coursework.
“These insecurities disrupt student learning and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, African American, LGBTQIA+, parenting, and older students,” the report noted.
Impact on student success
The findings emphasize how basic needs insecurity directly undermines academic persistence and student retention. For example, the study revealed that students who dropped out were overwhelmingly more likely to have experienced severe food (61%) and housing (82%) insecurity.
At the same time, 75% of students reported a sense of belonging on their campus and 81% felt supported by their teachers—protective factors that contribute to retention and success.
Student services and awareness
The survey also evaluated awareness and use of UH’s student basic needs services. About 75% of students were aware of services on their campus, and half reported using them. Of those who accessed support, 80% said they were satisfied with the assistance received.
Recommendations for action
The report outlines 10 key recommendations for UH officials and state policymakers, including:
- Expanding financial aid to better reflect the full cost of attendance, including living expenses.
- Establishing comprehensive “basic needs hubs” on every campus.
- Increasing healthcare and safety resources.
- Enhancing equitable access to transportation and technology.
- Strengthening communication campaigns to reduce stigma and raise awareness about available resources.
“These findings will guide us in shaping a more equitable, compassionate and supportive UH System—one where every student has the resources to thrive academically and personally,” said Miles and Zougris.
Next steps
The UH System and campus basic needs committees will utilize these survey results to refine goals and priorities previously identified in the Basic Needs Master Plan 2.0 that was published in November 2024.
UH appreciates the support of many generous donors who have given in support of basic student needs over the years. If you are able to help, visit this UH Foundation page to donate to the campus or program of your choice.
Read the full report
The full Landscape Assessment of Student Basic Needs Insecurity in the University of Hawaiʻi System and Executive Summary.
