Best Research Universities in Hawaii 2025
Interested in attending a STEM school in Hawaii? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii’s top research universities attract substantial research funding, supporting projects in fields like astronomy, ocean sciences, energy, and health sciences. This funding allows students to participate in well-supported, innovative research with global impact.
- Many research universities in Hawaii offer programs that encourage undergraduate students to engage in research early, providing mentorship, funding, and presentation opportunities to help students develop professional skills and leadership qualities.
- Hawaii’s research universities integrate local culture and environment into their studies, with programs focused on indigenous language preservation, environmental sustainability, and marine sciences, providing students with a unique, community-centered educational experience.
10 Best Research Universities in Hawaii in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best research universities in Hawaii saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 2 research universities in Hawaii. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Hawaii
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Hawaii 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025
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: $20,145Starting Salary: $51,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Hawaii 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025
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: $13,584Starting 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
Find the Best Research Universities in Hawaii for Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.