Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2024

Published: Dec 21, 2021
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find the best online colleges in Hawaii ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in Hawaii

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 95%
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 92%
Chaminade University of Honolulu 90%
Hawaii Pacific University 85%
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 70%

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 19 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 16 to 1
Hawaii Pacific University 16 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 13 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 13 to 1
Chaminade University of Honolulu 10 to 1

Hawaii Pacific University $30,020
Chaminade University of Honolulu $27,454
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $11,304
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu $7,344
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $7,344
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College $3,144

Chaminade University of Honolulu $27,720
Hawaii Pacific University $20,250
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $15,600
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $11,736

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Hawaii Pacific University
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 70%
Hawaii Pacific University 85%
Chaminade University of Honolulu 90%
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 92%
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 95%

Chaminade University of Honolulu 10 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 13 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 13 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 16 to 1
Hawaii Pacific University 16 to 1
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu 19 to 1

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College $3,144
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu $7,344
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $7,344
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $11,304
Chaminade University of Honolulu $27,454
Hawaii Pacific University $30,020

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo $11,736
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $15,600
Hawaii Pacific University $20,250
Chaminade University of Honolulu $27,720

Key Takeaways

Besides offering the island lifestyle with its majestic waters, Hawaii hosts more than ten degree-granting colleges and universities that attract students worldwide.
Hawaii has shown a higher-than-average enrollment rate than other more populous states
In-state and out-of-state students benefit from Hawaii’s generous financial packages, with several online schools offering scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid programs.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Accreditation: Hawaii Online Colleges and Universities

Despite its small size, Hawaii has greatly improved its college enrollment, with 59,693 traditional and online students enrolled in a program beyond high school. This number indicates a higher-than-average enrollment rate over other small states.

Accreditation is one of the most reputable ways for distance learners to evaluate their preferred online programs in a private, public, or community college. Accreditation status indicates that an online school or online program has met regional and professional standards.

It also signifies that graduates who have acquired college education are equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in the job market. Accredited online schools have more financial aid opportunities for their distance learning students.

The U.S. has the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which facilitates the country’s six regional accrediting agencies. In Hawaii, online colleges and universities are granted regional accreditation status by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Cost of Attending Online Degree Programs in Hawaii

In-state tuition costs are lower than out-of-state tuition and fees. However, distance learners residing in a different state can benefit from tuition discounts and other academic benefits.

To enjoy in-state tuition rates, out-of-state students must have proof that they have resided in Hawaii for at least a year before the beginning of the semester. Prospective students that are also Hawaii residents can also pay in-tuition rates, provided they have complete and appropriate documentation.

Hawaii also allows Native Hawaiians, Hawaii’s University System employees, and military and veterans to enjoy in-state tuition rates.

The Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education, Western Undergraduate Exchange, and National Student Exchange make it possible for students from other states to pay in-state tuition rates in Hawaii. Distance learners pursuing any of the online programs offered and residing in the Pacific Islands with no degree-granting schools can also obtain residency in Hawaii.

Here is a quick overview of the current tuition fees in Hawaii:

Public 4-Year Institution

$22,012 (In-State)
$32,043 (Out-of-State)

Public 2-Year Institution

$3,226 (In-State)
$8,378 (Out-of-State)

Private 4-Year Institution

$32,948 (In-State)

Financial Aid Options in Hawaii

Hawaii online learners can pursue a variety of federal student aid and other financial aid programs. Grants and scholarships are some of the most desirable options since students will no longer repay them after graduating.

Like in other states, qualifying to receive financial aid starts with completing the FAFSA. The information submitted on the FAFSA helps to identify if online students meet low-income requirements to obtain financial aid, such as the Pell Grant.

No repayment is required if distance learners are eligible to receive a Pell Grant. However, graduate students aren’t eligible to receive this type of funding. Instead, scholarships and assistantships are good sources of financial assistance.

Some of the platforms to search for financial aid programs available to students in Hawaii include:

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

Online education has grown dramatically in quality, credibility, and popularity over the last two decades. Today, more than a quarter of all college students are taking at least one online course. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 5 million college students who are pursuing their undergraduate degree fully online. And the number of online college and graduate students continues to grow as online technology and instructional methods improve.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to remote learning has proven an essential part of the educational ecosystem. Schools that offer primarily online degree programs saw an increase of 7% enrollment just between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The number of traditional institutions offering online courses and degrees is growing as well. This all paints a promising picture for the future of online education. But it also produces a dizzying array of options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Online Colleges 2022

Asynchronous learning means classes don’t meet at set times. This is the most flexible online learning experience, making when you cover your course material up to you. Most asynchronous online courses will still have deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments and tests. Some asynchronous classes may still ask for an occasional meeting, such as initial meet-and-greets, and in some cases there may be scheduled test times. The idea of asynchronous learning is to allow the student to manage their schedules as needed.

Synchronous learning means you will have scheduled meeting times for your online classes. Synchronous learning gives online students the flexibility of location while also giving students a chance to engage with each other and their professors. For many online students, the structured class schedules and ability to see and hear from peers in real-time helps create the learning experience they want.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities—educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

How do we determine the best online colleges for undergrads?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2023

#1
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
70%
Graduation
59%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Cost of Degree: $12,186
Expenses: $17,734
Starting Salary: $45,431
Salary after 4 years: $56,734
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA in Economics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Concentrations

Human Relations in Organizations
Social Sciences of Oceans

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (ADN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSW in Social Work

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
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
- #4 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
43%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Cost of Degree: $7,838
Expenses: $13,564
Starting Salary: $39,147
Salary after 4 years: $54,126
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#3
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
$30K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/20
Career Outlook for degree at Hawaii Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $30,020
Expenses: $20,364
Starting Salary: $44,286
Salary after 4 years: $48,513
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Human Resource Development

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Public Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#4
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
$27K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
66%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/20
Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu
Cost of Degree: $27,454
Expenses: $19,228
Starting Salary: $50,347
Salary after 4 years: $57,137
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education

Concentrations

Montessori Credential

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education for Oceania

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in English

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Historical and Political Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Secondary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Special Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#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
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Hawaii
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
31%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
Cost of Degree: $3,278
Starting Salary: $59,794
Online Degrees
BS in Applied Business and Information Technology

Required Credits: 121
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#6
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
95%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/18
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
Cost of Degree: $7,584
Starting Salary: $38,358
Salary after 4 years: $47,959
Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Concentrations

General Business
Accounting
Hospitality and Tourism
Management
Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Creative Media

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Public Administration

Concentrations

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Justice Administration
Community Health
General Public Administration
Healthcare Administration
Long-Term Care

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Social Sciences

Concentrations

Early Childhood Education
Political Science
Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school

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Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2024

Top 10 Online Colleges in Hawaii

Key Takeaways

Featured Programs

Accreditation: Hawaii Online Colleges and Universities

Cost of Attending Online Degree Programs in Hawaii

Financial Aid Options in Hawaii

Colleges and Universities in Hawaiʻi

What are Hawaiʻi’s Colleges & Universities?

Hawaiʻi’s Best Overall

Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2023

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Online Degrees

Concentrations

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Online Degrees

Hawaii Pacific University

Career Outlook for degree at Hawaii Pacific University

Online Degrees

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Online Degrees

Concentrations

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

Online Degrees

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

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