Hawaii vocational school bonds.
From $100.

A Hawaii private trade, vocational, or technical school posts a student-protection surety bond in favor of the State under HRS chapter 446E, in the amount required by the Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP). The price is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

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Required to operate or be authorized as a school under HRS chapter 446E (HPEAP)

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Protects students’ prepaid tuition if a school closes before programs are completed

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Soft credit pull only — never affects your score, and the price is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum

2% rate$100 minimumSoft pullnever affects your scoreFastinstant underwriting for most

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How it works

Apply to filed, no phone tag.

Enter your amount, consent to a soft pull, and file with HPEAP. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your school details, the bond amount HPEAP set, and an effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The soft pull never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

File with HPEAP

Pay online and receive the executed bond, in favor of the State, ready to file with your authorization application or renewal. Wet-ink originals on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the school bond actually covers

Hawaii authorizes private post-secondary institutions — including private trade, vocational, and technical schools — through the Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) under HRS chapter 446E. The chapter conditions authorization on a surety bond submitted in favor of the State and executed by the school as principal.

The bond is a student-protection guarantee: it stands behind students' prepaid tuition and fees if the school closes or fails to deliver the education it promised. If a student is harmed, a claim can be made against the bond, and if the surety pays, the school repays the surety.

A school that has operated in Hawaii continuously for at least 10 years and been accredited for at least 10 years can generally be exempt from the bond. Otherwise HPEAP sets the bond amount to your tuition exposure — enter that figure and we issue the bond at 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum; a soft credit check affects approval only, not price.

HRS chapter 446E (Post-Secondary Education Authorization)Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 446E and the Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program require a private trade, vocational, technical, or other post-secondary school to submit a surety bond in favor of the State, executed by the institution as principal, as a condition of authorization. A school continuously operating and accredited in Hawaii for at least 10 years may be exempt. Confirm your required bond amount with HPEAP.

You need this bond if you are

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A private trade or vocational school seeking HPEAP authorization to operate

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A technical or career school collecting prepaid tuition in Hawaii

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Renewing your authorization and maintaining the required bond

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A new program that does not yet qualify for the 10-year exemption

One application, then a quick review.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Hawaii vocational school bond?The price is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. HPEAP sets the bond amount to your school’s tuition exposure, so it scales with your program. Enter your figure and see your exact price in the on-page calculator.

Who requires this bond?The Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP), within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, requires it under HRS chapter 446E as a condition of authorizing a private post-secondary school.

Can my school be exempt?Possibly. A school that has operated continuously in Hawaii for at least 10 years and been accredited for at least 10 years can generally be exempt from the bond requirement. Confirm your status with HPEAP.

Is there a credit check?Yes — a quick soft credit check may apply, never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score. It affects approval only; the price itself is a fixed 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

What does the bond protect?Students’ prepaid tuition and fees. If the school closes or fails to deliver, harmed students can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, the school repays the surety.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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Pricing from $100. Enter the amount HPEAP set and file your authorization.

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