Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Hawaii. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
Best Colleges in Hawaii
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Hawaii Pacific University
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Hawaii Pacific University
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 96%
- Chaminade University of Honolulu 93%
- Hawaii Pacific University 87%
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 84%
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 73%
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii 34%
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 17 to 1
- Hawaii Pacific University 16 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii 15 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 14 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 13 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 12 to 1
- Chaminade University of Honolulu 11 to 1
- Hawaii Pacific University $31,940
- Chaminade University of Honolulu $28,544
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $11,304
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $7,344
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu $7,344
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii $6,250
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College $3,144
- Chaminade University of Honolulu $25,200
- Hawaii Pacific University $20,306
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $15,600
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $11,736
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Hawaii Pacific University
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
- Hawaii Pacific University
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii 34%
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 73%
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 84%
- Hawaii Pacific University 87%
- Chaminade University of Honolulu 93%
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 96%
- Chaminade University of Honolulu 11 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 12 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 13 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 14 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii 15 to 1
- Hawaii Pacific University 16 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 17 to 1
- University of Hawaiʻi Maui College $3,144
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii $6,250
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $7,344
- University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu $7,344
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $11,304
- Chaminade University of Honolulu $28,544
- Hawaii Pacific University $31,940
- University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $11,736
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $15,600
- Hawaii Pacific University $20,306
- Chaminade University of Honolulu $25,200
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?
- 2 Research Universities
- 5 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 2 Graduate Schools
- 4 Public Colleges & Universities
- 3 Private Colleges & Universities
- 5 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 6 Community Colleges
- 6 Online Colleges
Hawaiʻi’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 7 colleges and universities in Hawaii that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Hawaii below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Hawaii.
Best Colleges in Hawaii 2023
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Hawaii 2024 #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
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Research Universities in Hawaii 2024
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Hawaii 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Hawaii
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
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: $12,186Expenses: $18,145Starting Salary: $51,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa known for?
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Biology
- Physics
- Law
- Communications
- Education
- Sociology
- Philosophy
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
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Hawaii 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Hawaii
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Hawaii 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #19 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #20 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
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: $31,940Expenses: $18,878Starting Salary: $56,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hawaii Pacific University known for?
Hawaii Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Literature
- Business
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
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
- #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 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Hawaii 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Hawaii
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Hawaii 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #16 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
66%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu
Cost of Degree: $28,544Expenses: $19,890Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Chaminade University of Honolulu known for?
Chaminade University of Honolulu’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Business
- Biology
- Political Science
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Communications
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
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Hawaii 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges 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: $7,838Expenses: $13,502Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo known for?
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Psychology
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Literature
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
- #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
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: $6,250Expenses: $16,857Starting Salary: $49,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brigham Young University–Hawaii known for?
Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Physics
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Hawaii
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
27%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
Cost of Degree: $3,284Starting Salary: $34,200What 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
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Hawaii
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: $7,584Starting Salary: $41,100What 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
Hawaii’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.