Top Colleges in Hawaii

Our unique search technology was built from the ground up to assist students looking to apply to colleges in Hawaii quickly find information about specific two-year colleges and four-year colleges.  We have compiled the latest published information on financial aid, acceptance rates, 3D college tours, attendance statistics, student to teacher ratios, sports programs, enrollment, and degree programs for top ranked Hawaii colleges.  Get information on colleges in Hawaii along with tuition and financial aid trends today with a simple request.  Schools will quickly and securely provide admissions information based on your request.  You can then speak directly with an admission’s officer at the school to learn more if you find it appropriate.

The state of Hawaii is comprised of a series of islands in the Pacific Ocean, with the four largest typically being home to the public and private institutions found in the state. The state’s capital , Honolulu, is home to more colleges and universities than other regions primarily due to the way population is distributed. The state overall has few colleges due to the small size of the state both in terms of landmass and residents.

The state has several public colleges and universities across the four main islands. These schools belong to the University of Hawaii System which manages and maintains the state's community colleges as well as colleges and universities. Public institutions tend to have lower costs and higher enrollment than their private counterparts. In the state of Hawaii, many students come from out of state to receive a quality education while residing in a picturesque atmosphere.

Public colleges and universities in Hawaii:

Private schools in the state are few, but provide alternative options for education. These schools tend to be more expensive, have smaller enrollment and excellent student to teacher ratios. Some of the schools were established through missionary work bringing Christian education and values to the state and its residents. Private schools also tend to offer more opportunities, such as research programs and internships due to smaller enrollment allowing for greater number of such openings.

2024 Best Colleges in Hawaii


Enrollment

428

Tuition

$54,990.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1


The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa), the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii System, has much to offer. It boasts excellent and unique research opportunities in Hawaii, high-ranking academic programs, a diverse and multicultural community, and a beautiful setting in an exotic landscape. Located in the Manoa Valley outside of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the university is situated on 320 acres.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has nine colleges and schools, offering bachelor's degrees in 92 fields, master's degrees in 84 fields, and doctoral degrees in 51 fields. The university also offers professional degrees in three fields.  

UH Manoa is a land, sea and space grant research institution, and ranks in the top 30 public universities for federal research funding in engineering and science. It is known for its pioneering research in oceanography, Pacific Islands and Asian Area studies, linguistics, astronomy, cancer and genetics. Several of UH Manoa's professors are members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Institute of Medicine.

U.S. News & World Report has awarded high rankings to UH Manoa's medicine programs and law school, among honors for many of its other academic programs.

History

In 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa was founded as a land grant college of agriculture and mechanical arts.  The college was named "College of Hawai'i" in 1912, when it moved its campus from Honolulu to the Manoa Valley. The school was renamed the "University of Hawai'i" in 1920.

The university continued to expand its curricula over the years, adding several new colleges and schools through the 1930s. As of December 1941, World War II had arrived, and classes were suspended for two months. WWII affected many UH students of Japanese ancestry, leading to the formation of volunteer student groups.

The University of Hawaii continued to expand after the war, and in 1972, changed its name to "University of Hawaii at Manoa" to distinguish it from the other campuses in the University of Hawaii System.

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of Hawaii at Manoa follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. The summer semester is divided into two shorter sessions.

Colleges and Schools

  • College of Arts & Humanities
  • College of Language, Linguistics & Literature
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • College of Social Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources
  • Outreach College
  • School of Architecture
  • School of Hawaiian Knowledge
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene
  • School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology
  • School of Pacific & Asian Studies
  • School of Social Work
  • School of Travel Industry Management

Student Life

More than 200 student clubs and organizations are available for involvement at University of Hawaii at Manoa, including teams for seven different intramural sports.

In addition to student groups, there are many extracurricular activities and events available on and off campus, covering recreational, cultural, religious, health, fitness and educational interests. Recitals, concerts, cookouts and seasonal celebrations round out the activities calendar at UH Manoa.

On campus housing options are available, and there are many options for on campus dining.

Internships are available on and off campus, as well as paid employment opportunities and study abroad programs. Students are encouraged to visit the Student Life & Development office for more information about the range of groups, events and activities that are available for participation.

Some of the many excellent student services at UH Manoa include health and wellness services, a fitness center, parent and family resources and orientations, campus safety and security, counseling, a career center, first-year student programs, international student services, and many more.

Traditions

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is home to the "Rainbow Warriors." The athletic teams are nicknamed the UH "Warriors" or the UH Manoa "Rainbow Warriors. The traditional colors for UH Manoa are dark green and white, with black as an accent color.

Athletics

The UH Manoa "Rainbow Warriors" athletic teams compete in 20 men's and women's intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Sailing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

 The UH Manoa Athletic Division also runs several athletic camps and a cheerleading clinic.

Satellite Campuses

There is one primary campus for the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Manoa Valley on the island of Oahu.

Community Life

The largest city in the state of Hawaii, Honolulu is home to the State Capitol. This "sheltered harbor" is the major center for the Hawaiian Islands, and is considered one of America's safest cities. Honolulu has a royal palace, tropical climate, lush landscape, and a friendly, "aloha" community. Honolulu and the surrounding areas, including the Manoa Valley, offer many things to see and do. Some local landmarks and sights include the Aloha Stadium, many State Parks, Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Blaisdell Center, Hawaii International Film Festival, the opera, theater, many art museums, and more.

Acceptance Rate

58.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1


University of Hawaii at Hilo is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Hilo, Hawaii, which is a predominantly rural area. Approximately 4,100 students are enrolled per year at UHH.

Students may pick from many areas of study, including:

  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Psychology
  • Communications And Journalism
  • Business And Marketing Studies

To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit school records, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. A SAT or ACT exam is required prior to applying, with scores between 1260 to 1620 for the SAT exam and within the range of 18 to 24 for the ACT exam is common among students admitted to this school. Roughly 70 percent of all students that applied were accepted at University of Hawaii at Hilo, with 36 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

Tuition & fees at UHH vary for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs nearly $6,500 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $19,000 annually. Housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is about $3,000. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements.

UHH has several athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)

Students who would like to learn more about this school can visit their website at http://www.hilo.hawaii.edu.

Acceptance Rate

51.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1


Hawaii Pacific University is a nonprofit private institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. About eight thousand students enroll at HPU per year.

Areas of study available at HPU include:

  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Security And Protective Services
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school transcripts, which are then studied by admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 1280 - 1638 for the SAT exam and in a range of 18 - 24 for the ACT exam is typical among students admitted to this school. This school has an admissions rate of around 70 percent of which only 19 percent chose to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.

The cost of tuition is nearly $18,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their cost of attending this school. Some students at HPU may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally provided as grants or student loans.

The Hawaii Pacific University "Sea Warriors" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)

Students who wish to get more about Hawaii Pacific University can visit their website at http://www.hpu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

74.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1


Enrollment

143

Tuition

$14,830.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1


Enrollment

76

Tuition

$15,990.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1


University of Hawaii - West Oahu is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Pearl City, HI, which is a predominantly suburban area. About a thousand students enroll at UHWO per year.

Students can pick from many areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Social Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration
  • Education
  • Humanistic Studies

Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 1190 - 1510 for the SAT exam and in a range of 15 - 22 for the ACT exam is common among students accepted to UHWO. UHWO accepts roughly 70% of applicants. Of those admitted, about 36% enrolled. More information from the admissions office of West Oahu can be found by visiting their portal.

The tuition at UHWO varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay close to $5,700 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $17,000 annually. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally provided as grants or student loans.

Contact information, admission forms, areas of study, and more can be viewed on school's website at West Oahu today.

Acceptance Rate

84.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1


Robert Fiance Beauty Schools - North Plainfield provides beauty & cosmetology training for students located in and around North Plainfield. Over the previous several years this school granted certificates to over 150 cosmetology students with about 61% of students who start the program continuing on to graduate. The cosmetology programs that may be offered at this location are:

In one of the ways Robert Fiance Beauty Schools - North Plainfield may support its students is by offering students with help in finding employment.

The last reported accreditation for Robert Fiance Beauty Schools - North Plainfield was done by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. To learn more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit robertfiance.com.

Enrollment

64

Tuition

$19,350.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1


Urban 113 School of Cosmetology was formerly known as D & L Academy of Hair Design.   Urban 113 is a school that offers education and training in the beauty industry for residents of Twin Falls, Idaho. For the last four consecutive years D & L Academy of Hair Design has received its accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. D & L Academy of Hair Design primarily provides education in the area of cosmetology by experienced teaching professionals, ensuring that students who complete the program will have the skills needed to pursue licensure and gainful employment. The cosmetology courses being offered at this location are:

  • Cosmetology
  • Personal Grooming Arts

D & L Academy of Hair Design has an enrollment of about twenty-two students every year.

City and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is suggested students research getting a license in cosmetology. To learn more about details on programs and consumer disclosures, please visit the official website of the school.

Enrollment

22

Tuition

$16,500.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1


Elite Cosmetology School, located in the rural area of Yucca Valley, CA, offers cosmetology training for interested individuals. The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences has accredited the cosmetology education provided by Elite Cosmetology School for over three years. The primary program offered by this school is in cosmetology, which prepares students with the skills necessary to obtain licensure and seek out gainful employment after graduation. In addition, Elite Cosmetology School also provides a nail technology program, which provides education in nail artistry and care and an esthetics program, for individuals who want to specialize in skin care and treatments.

Elite Cosmetology School provides help with finding job opportunities for students. Students should look up local and state licensing regulations to ensure programs meet current standards. Students can learn more about Elite Cosmetology School, including licensing and consumer disclosures, by visiting eliteschools.edu or by simply requesting information from this page.

Enrollment

96

Tuition

$15,762.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1


Carolina College of Hair Design focuses on cosmetology training for students located in and around Asheville. In one of the ways Carolina College of Hair Design may support its students is by providing assistance in evaluating career options.

To read more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit carolinacollege.com.

Enrollment

58

Tuition

$14,925.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1


About
Windward Community College is located in Kaneohe, Hawaii on the island of O'ahu.  WCC was founded in 1972 to provide a variety of educational opportunities for residents on the island. The school maintains close ties to the community, holding annual festivals and being repository of Hawaiian culture and an educator of Hawaiian history.  Windward CC is one of ten campuses of the University of Hawaii System that operates all public post secondary institutions in the state.

Academics
Windward Community College offers a number of programs that allow students to pursue academic and career opportunities. Career training programs provide an education in a field or industry that allows for entry as a qualified professional upon completion. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate.

Academic transfer programs provide a curriculum that mirrors the first two years of a four year program, followed by the application for transfer to a four year institution to complete their bachelor's degree.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Windward Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individual who is eighteen years of age or has earned a high school diploma to enroll by completing the application and paying all fees. Students should supply transcripts and test scores, as well as participate in new student enrollment and meet with a counselor prior to registration. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and are awarded based on need as determined by the information provided by the student in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

2,460

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1


Located in Provo, Utah, Acaydia School of Aesthetics is a private beauty school that provides career education for students interested in cosmetology. This school has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 2009. Acaydia School of Aesthetics offers a comprehensive cosmetology program that prepares individuals for entry into the beauty industry as qualified and licensed professionals. In addition to cosmetology, this school also provides an esthetics program, for individuals who wish to focus on skin care.

Over the last few years close to ninety-six students have graduated from Acaydia School of Aesthetics, with students having a graduation rate of about 59%.

Acaydia School of Aesthetics provides cosmetology career counseling assistance for current and graduated students. Students must look up state licensing requirements to make sure programs meet established standards. For additional information regarding licensure preparation, interested students may visit the school's website.

Enrollment

94

Tuition

$14,125.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


A vital component of the University of Hawaii education system, Honolulu Community College (Honolulu CC) is a world-famous educational institution providing high-quality instruction at affordable rates to a diverse cross-section of the local community.

Among its most acclaimed achievements is the transfer program, which allows credit students the opportunity to transfer to any of over 2,000 colleges and universities across the United States. Special assistance is given to students while preparing documentation for such transfers.

Honolulu CC offers a safe and comfortable environment for students to engage in academic and extracurricular activities. The college offers a vast range of associate degree, certificate and competency programs in areas such as science, applied science, technical studies, arts and liberal arts.

A vast array of student activities is regularly organized, including music performances, film screenings, live concerts, dances, video game competitions, special trips and much more. The activity level is deliberately kept high to ensure that students receive a full educational experience that equips them technically, academically and socially.

At $2,300 for in-state students, tuition is immensely affordable for the indigenous population. With the kind of reputation that the college has built over the past 43 years since its full accreditation in 1970, Honolulu CC is a highly recommended option for students to pursue their two-year education needs. With the robust transfer program in place, the college is the perfect gateway to a full four-year degree elsewhere in Hawaii and the rest of the United States.

Enrollment

3,541

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1


Hawaii Institute of Hair Design, located in the metropolitan area of Honolulu, Hawaii, offers cosmetology training for students. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the cosmetology education provided by Hawaii Institute of Hair Design for over thirty-five consecutive years. The primary program taught by Hawaii Institute of Hair Design is in cosmetology, which trains individuals with the skills and abilities necessary to obtain licensure and seek out long term employment after graduation.

Approximately 190 students graduated from Hawaii Institute of Hair Design over the past couple years, with students completing the programs with a graduate rate of around 73%. Hawaii Institute of Hair Design reported individuals had a loan default rate of around 12% in 2009.

Hawaii Institute of Hair Design offers student services including job placement opportunities for graduates in need of employment and cosmetology career counseling assistance for current and graduated students. Students must look up state and county licensing requirements to make sure programs meet current standards. Students can learn more about Hawaii Institute of Hair Design, including licensure preparation, by visiting hihdhawaii.net.

Enrollment

64

Tuition

$13,237.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1


Kauai Community College, located in Lihue, Hawaii, is one of the ten institutions that comprise the University of Hawaii System of schools. The school provides a variety of programs and services, including job placement assistance for individuals seeking career training programs. The school Is dedicated to providing quality education for residents of its service area, and as a result is constantly reviewing facilities, programs and services to ensure that they meet and exceed the needs of current and future students.

Academics

Individuals attending Kauai Community College will be able to choose from programs that allow for academic transfer or career training. Academic transfer programs allow students to pursue the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to four year institutions to continue their education. Career training programs provide education and skill development in high demand industries or fields with the purpose of preparing the student for long term employment upon completion of the program.

Programs offered:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Any person interested in attending KCC may do so by submitting a completed application, paying all fees, and submitting transcripts and test scores if available. The school's open enrollment policy requires that students be at least eighteen years of age or have a high school diploma. Students may be required to take a placement exam for certain programs. Participation in new student orientation and meeting with a counselor is encouraged.  Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and are awarded based on need as determined by a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA).

Enrollment

1,486

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1


Leeward Community College, located in Pearl City, Hawaii, is a two year public institution and one of the ten schools that make up the University of Hawaii System. The school located near Honolulu on the island of O'ahu. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school seeks to provide community service for residents, and offers easy access to educational opportunities for interested individuals.

Academics

Leeward Community College provides career and vocational training and two year academic programs. Vocational and career training enables students to pursue careers with either a certificate or associate degree. Students will be qualified for entry level positions and will have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform tasks and responsibilities as required. Students interested in transfer to a four year institution may take a transfer oriented program which provides the freshman and sophomore years of education for a four year degree. Upon graduation, students may apply and enroll at a four year institution, either with the UHS or schools with transfer agreements with LCC.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Leeward Community College has an open enrollment policy requiring student either be 18 years of age, a high school graduate, or have a GED certificate. Students may apply in person or online, and will receive a response regarding admission soon after. Once accepted students must take a placement exam prior to registration to determine which courses the student may be required to take. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work study and may be applied to tuition, room and board, materials and transportation. Students interested in receiving financial aid must obtain a federal PIN number and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will determine eligibility and awards. All correspondence regarding financial aid will be conducted through email.

Enrollment

6,709

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1


Kapi’aloni Community College (KCC) is part of the University of Hawai’i system. It was originally founded as Kapi’olani Technical School in 1946, when Hawai’i was still a territory. It moved to its current location in Diamond Head in Waikiki in 1974. It also has a second campus in Fort Ruger. KCC’s mission is to become the premier provider of quality vocational and degree education in the state.

KCC is the state’s biggest community college, with associate degree and certificate programs in business education, food and hospitality services, nursing, professional, academic and technical studies. It boasts a successful university transfer program to colleges offering baccalaureate degrees.

KCC is well-known in the local community for its culinary arts course, and is leading the race among the 10 UH colleges in terms of the success of its transfer programs. The college enrolls an average of about 10,000 students every year into its various programs, and charged a nominal tuition fee of about $2,300 per year for in-state students. Out-of-state students are charged at about $7,000 per year.

The college’s radiology department has already won national acclaim after two of its instructors developed a unique hip x-ray technique in 1976; in addition, the respiratory care program won a national award in 1986 for being an “outstanding vocational education program.”

KCC is one of the leading community colleges in the state, and plans to introduce a Bachelor’s in Applied Sciences in the near future. It comes highly recommended as a college where the student community is closely-knit with the larger community it serves.

Enrollment

6,899

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1


Formerly known as Maui Community College, University of Hawai’i Maui College (UH Maui College) is a public college located on the island of Maui (Kahului.) The main Kahului campus and four education centers of the college offer degree and certificate programs, including several four-year degree courses.

UH Maui College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and was founded in 1931 as the Maui Vocational School. The current name was given in 1966, when the college was authorized to grant associate degrees in Arts and Science. The name change was implemented to reflect the three baccalaureate degrees that were added to its portfolio that same year.

At $2,328 tuition per year for in-state students, it is very affordable for the local population. Out-of-state students, however, are charged $9,600 per year. There are several clubs, societies and organizations that students can participate in apart from their course curriculum. This encourages an active participation in the community at large and among the student community.

UH Maui College programs cover a wide range of education needs such as Hospitality and Tourism, Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology, Culinary, Business Technology and more. Its mission is to provide affordable, high-quality education to a diverse community of lifelong learners; its vision is to develop a world-class institution that delivers on that promise of affordable, high-quality education. To that end, UH Maui College uses its resources effectively to create a superior learning environment that equips students to handle real careers in the real world.

Enrollment

3,092

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1


Since 1977, Broadview University has provided practical education and hands-on training that prepares students for in-demand careers. Students seeking a degree program that focuses on relevant skills for today's job market appreciate our continually updated curricula and state-of-the-art facilities. Employers from across the Mountain States region look to us for graduates who can get the job done.

Broadview University is committed to helping students realize their professional goals. We focus on career-specific education, preparing students for successful futures in a wide variety of business, medical, legal, technology and creative fields.

Broadview University is a member of Globe Education Network. The network provides academic support and manages a wealth of shared learning resources. Sister schools in the network, Globe University and Minnesota School of Business, have a combined 250+ years of educational excellence in the Midwest.

Globe University is accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Disclosures

Enrollment

69

Student to Faculty Ratio

N/A

What Colleges Exist in Hawaii?

Originating a list of accredited colleges that exist in the State of Hawaii has never been simpler than by using our exclusive search modules.  In fact, with our extensive portal you can quickly find all public universities and private colleges across the Hawaii state college system.  Our complete list of accredited colleges in Hawaii includes online degrees offered by all higher education institutions.

Trade schools and career colleges are also found throughout the state. Such schools provide training and skill development in high demand fields and assist in job placement after completion. These programs typically take a year or less and have high costs compared to similar programs available at community colleges. The state’s community colleges are part of the University of Hawaii System and provide career training opportunities alongside academic transfer programs.

The most populous city in Hawaii is Honolulu, followed by East Honolulu and Pearl City.  While the most populous county in Hawaii is Honolulu County with Hawaii County and Maui County close behind.   If you are interested in visiting the state of Hawaii, consider visiting their state page or the state chapter of the Chamber of Commerce.

Where can I find online degrees at Hawai‘i colleges?

The National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator Tool lists 10 institutions with distance learning courses. The University of Hawai‘i system (UH system) has the most options at the Bachelor’s Degree level and higher. Chaminade University as well as Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) offer several additional programs to explore. If you are interested in pursuing a 2-year degree, check out Hawai‘i’s community colleges at this link.

Which free online classes can I take from Hawai‘i colleges?

Through Hawai‘i colleges, the general public can take several different courses for free online. Throughout at least the year of 2020, there are COVID-19 informational courses hosted by UH Maui College. Additionally, there are introductory Hawaiian language classes part of the ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Initiative that are live-streamed each Monday. The links for the weekly sessions plus free online resources can be found here on their website. The UH system also welcomes Hawai‘i residents who are 60 years or older to attend courses for free through the Senior Citizen Visitor Program/Nā Kūpuna Program. Although attendees do not earn college credits, there are many alternative benefits that come with program participation.

Which Hawai‘i online colleges will accept FAFSA?

All colleges with online programs in Hawai‘i accept FAFSA! Applications for federal aid open annually on October 1st. Whether at Chaminade University, HPU, or University of Hawai‘i Online (UH Online), it is recommended to apply as soon as possible. Some federal aid is distributed on a first come, first served basis. If you need guidance completing FAFSA, reach out to the financial aid department at the admitting school for assistance.

Is taking college online more affordable in Hawai‘i?

Within the UH system, residency and number of credits are integral factors in determining tuition rates. Online rates are the same as in-person rates. Eligible Pacific Islander students may benefit from the Pacific Island Jurisdiction and receive tuition at 150% of the resident rates. Students a part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange receive the same rate. Tuition varies by campus within the UH system but are generally comparable. For eleven or fewer credits at UH Mānoa, it costs residents $436 per credit hour and non-residents $1389 per credit hour for this school year. UH West O‘ahu is even more affordable at $306 per credit hour for in-state students and $846 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Chaminade University, on the other hand, does not differentiate tuition rates by residency. As of this year, tuition is $565 per credit hour.

Do online Hawai‘i colleges accept a GED?

Whether at the Mānoa, West O‘ahu, or Hilo branches, the UH system accepts GED’s. Chaminade University and HPU do not explicitly state whether or not they accept GED’s via their websites. Prospective students with GED’s should not discount exploring online programs at the aforementioned schools. Instead, it is recommended to inquire further with admissions advisors for more information regarding GED acceptance.

Which colleges in Hawai‘i accept the most transfer credits?

Each school has a unique yet similar process reviewing transfer credits. Submitting transcripts is one of the first steps in the process. Many schools in Hawai‘i have transfer credit databases or guides that a prospective student can utilize for transfer credit estimates. Take a look at HPU’s Transfer Credit Library as an example. Not only do Chaminade University and the UH system have transfer guides, but they also have partnerships with Hawai‘i community colleges. Through transfer articulation agreements, Chaminade University and the UH system simplify the transfer process and guarantee credit transferability.

There are zero public 4-year state universities and colleges in Hawaii. These four-year institutions predominantly offer bachelor's or higher level programs and some may even include research facilities. See a state-wide list of the state universities and colleges in Hawaii.

In Hawaii there are zero accredited private four-year colleges. Similar to public schools, private colleges and universities offer bachelor's or higher level programs and research opportunities, although they usually have smaller classes and higher tuition. Compare admission requirements and tuition details for private colleges in Hawaii.

Community colleges are public institutions that offer low cost, high quality education for residents throughout the state. These schools offer 2-year programs that grant associate degrees or offer training courses in specialized trades. Hawaii" Community colleges also are the number one transfer-out programs available for four-year colleges and universities. Learn more and compare community colleges in Hawaii.

Bible and Christian colleges generally provide specialized undergraduate education with a focus on religious or biblical study. There are approximately zero such colleges in Hawaii located throughout the state. See a full list of Christian colleges in Hawaii along with program and tuition information.

Hawaii has zero accredited liberal arts colleges. These schools primarily focus on undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences through comprehensive and flexible curriculums. Compare all the liberal arts colleges in Hawaii.

Degree Breakdown State of Hawaii

  • Doctoral or
    Professional degree

    14,740 2.38%

  • Master's
    Degree

    10,310 1.66%

  • Bachelor's
    Degree

    119,740 19.31%

  • Associate's
    Degree

    12,900 2.08%

  • Postsecondary
    Nondegree award

    32,610 5.26%

  • Some college,
    No degree

    15,760 2.54%

  • High school diploma or
    Equivalent

    208,490 33.63%

  • No formal
    Educational credential

    205,390 33.13%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Browse Schools by Career in Hawaii

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    With hundreds of career guides and thousands of free educational resources, there is something for every high school student and Hawaii college graduate. Tools across the website include exclusive research, admissions tips, and data to ensure you find your perfect college match. Leverage our research below to help make the most of your educational experience.

     
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