Best
Colleges in Hawaii in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Hawaii combines core management skills with insight into the state's tourism, hospitality and local economy. Typical courses include accounting, marketing, finance, economics, human resources, operations and business law. Graduates may pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations supervisors or hospitality managers. Popular Hawaii colleges offering business administration study include the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, among other institutions.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Hawaii combines coursework on human behavior and local culture. Typical courses include developmental and social psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and counseling. Popular colleges include the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Graduates may pursue jobs such as case manager, behavioral health technician, youth program coordinator, or human resources assistant. Clinical practice usually requires graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Hawaii offers coursework in programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students may study artificial intelligence, networks, and human-computer interaction. Colleges include the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Hawaii Pacific University. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, web developers, or IT support professionals. Hands-on projects, internships, and teamwork build skills for Hawaii's industries and technology employers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Hawaii combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, group counseling, and career guidance with supervised fieldwork. Students may explore specializations such as school or mental health counseling. Popular options include the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Hawaii Pacific University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, college advisors, substance use counselors, or community agency practitioners, with required licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Hawaii combines classroom learning, simulation, and clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and maternal-child, psychiatric, and adult nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term-care facilities, or public health agencies; some pursue advanced practice. Popular options include the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Pacific University, and Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Best Colleges in Hawaii Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 20,304.0, compared with 33,472.8 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 13,168.8.
• On average, 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 77.83% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 77.83%. Schools receive an average of 6,159.83 applicants, while top-10% schools average 15,464.0 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 621.5 men and 1,483.5 women.
• Average test scores are 1,141.4 on the SAT and 22.2 on the ACT.
• Schools average 5,075.38 enrolled students, including averages of 296.17 enrolled men and 491.67 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 47.25%, compared with 57.7% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 45.0% for men and 50.5% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees.
• Eight schools are coeducational; there are zero schools for men and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid together, since the overall median cost is lower while the average share of students receiving aid is higher than at top-10% schools. Also consider the differences in applicant volume, graduation rates, test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and school type to identify which options best fit your academic goals and preferences.

How much does studying at a college in Hawaii cost?

The average total cost of studying in Hawaii is $20,810.75, a useful starting point for planning a degree. Your actual bill varies by college, program, residency, and housing, so check each school's current estimate. Comparing tuition and commuting costs can make college feel more manageable if you live near campus.

• Average tuition and fees: $15,043.50.
• Average room and board: $15,936.12.
• Average books and supplies: $1,367.

Use these figures as separate averages, not a guaranteed degree bill: the room-and-board average exceeds the overall total, so adding categories would mislead. At the University of Hawaii at Manoa or Hilo, or Hawaii Pacific University, compare housing, meal plans, and financial aid. Scholarships and resident tuition eligibility may help keep a Hawaii degree within reach. Costs can differ substantially across public and private schools, and choices such as living with family, buying used books, or sharing housing may change your budget in Hawaii.

How long does it take to finish college in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at a community college often takes two. At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, UH Hilo, or a UH community college, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, and whether you study full time; some programs, such as nursing, may have structured sequences.

Graduation rates show that completing a degree is not automatic: the average reported rate is 47.25%, compared with 57.7% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 44.5% for men and 49.0% for women. These figures can help set expectations, but your own pace will depend on credits, finances, work, and support - not just the campus average.

You may finish faster by:

• Use AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits.
• Transfer eligible credits from another college.
• Take summer classes or accelerated courses, planning your schedule with an academic adviser.

Salary

College graduates in Hawaii can expect a median alumni salary of about $44,747, while graduates of schools in the top 10% earn a median of about $55,041. That gives you a useful starting point as you weigh the value of earning a degree in the islands.

Whether you're considering the University of Hawaii at Manoa, UH Hilo, or Hawaii Pacific University, your eventual earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and career path. These figures offer a broad benchmark rather than a guarantee for graduates of any one school.

• Median alumni salary: $44,747
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: $55,041

Studying close to home can make it easier to build connections in Hawaii while preparing for your next step. Comparing programs, costs, and career opportunities can help you choose a degree that feels right for your goals.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Hawaii?

By student enrollment, the three largest are generally the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. UH Manoa is by far the largest, with roughly 19,000 students; HPU has about 5,000, and UH Hilo about 3,000. Exact rankings and totals can vary by year and counting method.

How many colleges are there in Hawaii?

Hawaii has about 21 colleges and universities when counting degree-granting institutions, including public and private schools. The total can differ depending on whether a count includes specialized schools, campuses, or only institutions offering certain degrees. For local students, the University of Hawaii system is a helpful starting point: it includes 10 campuses across the islands.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Hawaii Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Hawaii at Manoa enrolls 20,404 students and offers the largest student community among these five Hawaii options. Its 64% graduation rate and 87% acceptance rate provide useful context as you compare admission and completion prospects. Total study cost is $33,336, while median alumni salary is $44,539. Located in Honolulu, the public university is known for broad academic choices and Pacific-focused research. Staying on Oahu lets you study close to Hawaii's capital and cultural and professional networks.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii enrolls 2,907 students, making it a smaller campus option for studying in Hawaii. Its 53% graduation rate and 47% acceptance rate can help frame your admissions and completion comparisons. The listed total cost of studying is $6,630, and median alumni salary is $40,685. Based in Laie on Oahu's North Shore, the private university emphasizes a close-knit community and an international outlook. You can pursue a degree in a distinctive coastal setting while remaining connected to the island.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has 2,649 students, offering a small-campus experience on Hawaii Island. Its 48% graduation rate, 61% acceptance rate, $20,304 total study cost, and $41,638 median alumni salary provide points for weighing affordability and outcomes. As a public university in Hilo, it is associated with a sense of place, access to island landscapes, and programs shaped by the Pacific and local communities. For Hawaii residents, studying here means earning a degree in an island setting.

University of Hawaii-West Oahu enrolls 2,897 students and offers Hawaii residents a public-university option on Oahu. The listed graduation rate is 50%, acceptance rate 95%, total cost $20,304, and median alumni salary $44,747. Its smaller enrollment may appeal if you want a campus community beyond Honolulu's urban core. Located in Kapolei, the university serves West Oahu and offers a convenient setting for students living in that growing region, while keeping island life and local career opportunities close throughout your degree.

Chaminade University of Honolulu enrolls 2,641 students, creating a smaller private-university environment in Hawaii's capital. Its graduation rate is 55%, acceptance rate is 91%, total study cost is $30,760, and median alumni salary is $54,129. These figures can help you compare expenses and longer-term earnings as you consider a degree on Oahu. Chaminade is a Catholic Marianist university in Honolulu, with a community-oriented identity and programs across fields. Studying there places you near the city's cultural resources and employment options.