Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2026

Badge for BEST IN HAWAII PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Hawaii.

Key Takeaways

  • The best private colleges in Hawaii offer a distinctive learning environment with strong connections to Hawaiian culture, history, and the natural beauty of the islands, providing a unique educational setting that appeals to students seeking a diverse cultural experience.
  • Hawaii’s private colleges often integrate sustainability into their curriculum, with programs focused on marine biology, environmental science, and conservation, appealing to students interested in ecological issues and hands-on field research.
  • Many of the best private colleges in Hawaii emphasize close-knit academic communities, offering smaller class sizes and greater opportunities for one-on-one interaction with faculty, fostering personalized learning experiences.

Best Private Colleges in Hawaii in 2026

  1. Hawaii Pacific University
  2. Chaminade University of Honolulu
  3. Brigham Young University–Hawaii

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 3 private universities in Hawaii. To be included below, schools must be fully accredited, nonprofit, private institutions offering a broad range of bachelor’s programs.

When comparing these institutions, focus on program strength, campus environment, affordability and financial aid, and opportunities for internships or community engagement in Hawaii’s unique economy. Wherever possible examine curriculum depth in your intended major, class sizes, and pathways to careers or graduate study—these factors matter more than headline rankings when choosing the best private college for your goals.

Best Private Colleges in Hawaii

  1. #1

    Hawaii Pacific University

    Honolulu , HI
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Hawaii 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1099/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Hawaii Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $36,080
    Expenses: $19,492
    Starting Salary: $64,656
    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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Resource Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
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  2. #2

    Chaminade University of Honolulu

    Honolulu , HI
    #21 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu

    Cost of Degree: $29,970
    Expenses: $20,962
    Starting Salary: $56,938
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Montessori Credential
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Elementary Education For Oceania
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Historical And Political Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
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  3. #3

    Brigham Young University–Hawaii

    Laie , HI
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2026 #5 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Hawaii

    Cost of Degree: $6,438
    Expenses: $19,386
    Starting Salary: $57,487
    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

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Hawaii’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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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.

  1. Hawaii Pacific University
  2. Chaminade University of Honolulu
  3. Brigham Young University–Hawaii

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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