Hawaii’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

Hawaii’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

What are the best colleges and universities in Hawaii if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.

Colleges and universities in Hawaii deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.

Hawaii’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.

Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.

How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of Hawaii’s Colleges and Universities

Hawaii's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
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As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of Hawaii’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call  Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.

  1. Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
  2. Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
    • We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
  3. Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.

Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.

Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families

The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:

  • A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
  • Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
  • Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
  • The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
  • Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
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Hawaii’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

  1. #1

    Chaminade University of Honolulu

    Honolulu , HI
    #23 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu

    Cost of Degree: $28,544
    Expenses: $19,890
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chaminade University of Honolulu known for?

    Chaminade University of Honolulu’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Montessori Credential
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education For Oceania
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Historical And Political Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Hawaii Pacific University

    Honolulu , HI
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Hawaii Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $31,940
    Expenses: $18,878
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hawaii Pacific University known for?

    Hawaii Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Hawaii Pacific University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    Honolulu , HI
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    Cost of Degree: $12,186
    Expenses: $18,145
    Starting Salary: $51,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa known for?

    University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Online Degrees

    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Relations In Organizations
    • Social Sciences Of Oceans
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women'S, Gender, And Sexuality Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Brigham Young University–Hawaii

    Laie , HI
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1129/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Hawaii

    Cost of Degree: $6,250
    Expenses: $16,857
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brigham Young University–Hawaii known for?

    Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

    Kahului , HI
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

    Cost of Degree: $3,284
    Starting Salary: $34,200
    What is University of Hawaiʻi Maui College known for?

    University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Business And Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

    Hilo , HI
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Hawaii 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/18

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

    Cost of Degree: $7,838
    Expenses: $13,502
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo known for?

    University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

    Kapolei , HI
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

    Cost of Degree: $7,584
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    What is University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu known for?

    University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Accounting
    • Hospitality And Tourism
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Disaster Preparedness And Emergency Management
    • Justice Administration
    • Community Health
    • General Public Administration
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Long-Term Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Hawaii’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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Colleges and Universities in Hawaiʻi

The majority of the universities and colleges in The Aloha State are public institutions, including Hawaiʻi’s largest school, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The nearly 15,000 students who attend this school pay tuition fees around $12,000. Students attending public colleges can choose between a wide range of on campus and online degree programs.

It’s also worth noting that you can receive in-state tuition discount rates for attending a public college in Hawaii, whether you enroll through a traditional or online degree program.

Hawaiʻi also offers several private school options, including two which have religious affiliations. While tuition at these private schools varies, from $6,000 at Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi to $26,000 at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, each serves between 2,000-3,000 students.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students who attend both brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Hawaii have the option to major in fields like biology, education, history, criminal justice, physics, and many others. However, students who graduate with degrees in the health care field have an extra advantage. Hawaiʻi offers a student loan forgiveness-based financial aid program for health care workers who work at designated, high-need locations within the state for at least two years.

So, even though Hawaiʻi comes in just above the national average for tuition costs, if you are considering a career in health care, this may be the place for you.

Some dream of vacationing in paradise - but why not take it a step further and live there? Students attending school in Hawaiʻi won’t have to say aloha, or goodbye, to the beautiful white sand beaches, perfect waves, and tropical drinks. Both traditional and online students can enroll in one of Hawaiʻi’s 15 higher education institutes and live their best life in these picturesque island communities.

For more information on obtaining your degree in Hawaiʻi, explore some of the top programs and schools this state has to offer.


What are Hawaiʻi’s Colleges & Universities?

Hawaiʻi’s Best Overall

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