
2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA


The University of Hawaii at Manoa holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is a recognized regional accrediting authority. This accreditation signifies that the university meets established standards for institutional quality and effectiveness in higher education.
Additionally, several of its individual programs maintain specialized accreditations that attest to their adherence to professional and academic standards within respective fields. Such programmatic accreditations enhance the credibility of specific departments and can be crucial for students pursuing careers that require recognized certification or licensure.
For prospective students, the university's regional accreditation ensures that credits earned are generally transferable and that the institution possesses the academic rigor expected from accredited universities in the United States. The presence of programmatic accreditations further supports the university's commitment to maintaining quality education in specialized disciplines.
Applicants to University of Hawaii at Manoa must have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if they do not possess a traditional high school diploma. Submission of secondary school records and documentation of college program completion are mandatory, along with a required secondary school grade point average and class rank. Although recommendations and competencies data are not available, standardized test scores such as the TOEFL are required to demonstrate English proficiency, with other tests being recommended but not compulsory.
The institution does not operate an open admission policy and favors state residents in its admission preferences. While dual credit is not accepted, applicants can earn college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Computer ownership is not mandatory for applicants, but leasing options are available.
Regarding academic performance, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1185, with a math score averaging 580 and a writing score of 605, positioning applicants generally in the top half nationally. The average ACT score stands at 24. The university experiences a high volume of applications, with 19,211 total applicants, predominantly women. Admissions rates are relatively high at 70%, indicating an average level of selectivity.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $50. This fee must be submitted along with the application to complete the process. Graduate applicants face a different fee structure, with the standard application fee set at $70.
Fee waivers are available to eligible students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria established by the university. These waivers aim to reduce financial barriers and encourage applications from a diverse pool of candidates. Applicants seeking a waiver must provide appropriate documentation as part of their application packet.
It is important for prospective students to carefully review the university's instructions regarding payment methods and fee waiver eligibility to avoid delays in application processing. The university's admissions office provides guidance on how to request a fee waiver and the necessary supporting materials required for approval.
University of Hawaii at Manoa offers an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students with opportunities to participate in military training and leadership development programs. This presence allows prospective students interested in military service to pursue ROTC studies directly within the university environment.
University of Hawaii at Manoa allows prospective transfer students to apply for admission in the fall and spring terms. The institution accepts transfer credits and recognizes various standardized exams for credit transfer, including CLEP subject and general exams as well as DANTES credits. Additionally, recommendations are considered as part of the transfer application process. Admission to the university is classified as moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced selectivity for transfer candidates.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience and cultural understanding of its students. These programs allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit toward their degrees. The university collaborates with numerous international partner institutions across Asia, the Pacific, Europe, and other regions, providing diverse destinations and academic disciplines to choose from.
Students at University of Hawaii at Manoa can participate in semester-long exchange programs where they attend classes at a partner university abroad while paying their regular tuition to the home institution. Additionally, the university sponsors faculty-led study tours and short-term programs during summer or winter sessions, which combine travel with focused coursework.
Many study abroad options are available in fields such as language studies, environmental science, Asian and Pacific studies, and international business, reflecting the university's emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region and global engagement. The Office of Study Abroad offers guidance and support to prospective participants, including assistance with applications, scholarships, and pre-departure orientations.
These programs not only broaden academic horizons but also enhance cross-cultural competencies, preparing University of Hawaii at Manoa students for an increasingly interconnected world.
Median composite SAT score
1185Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting SAT scores
1%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedPreferential admissions consideration text
state residentsOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring