Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2023

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:

• Hawaii Community Foundation
• The Gromet Foundation
• Citizen Scholar Award
• University of Hawaii Scholarship Fund
• 442^nd Veterans Scholarship Fund
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Hawaii Promise
• Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education

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.

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