What Students Want to Know
• Hawaii colleges are generally accessible with moderate selectivity.
• University of Hawaii at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) acceptance rate: approx. 70%.
• University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) acceptance rate: approx. 75%.
• Chaminade University acceptance rate: approx. 90%.
• Typical test scores: UH Mānoa ~1170 SAT / 24 ACT; UH Hilo ~1080 SAT / 21 ACT; Chaminade ~1030 SAT / 20 ACT.
• Application fees: UH Mānoa $70, UH Hilo $50, Chaminade $50.

• Hawaii public in-state tuition: approx. $7,000–$12,000.
• UH Mānoa in-state tuition: ~$11,304; out-of-state ~$34,218.
• UH Hilo in-state tuition: ~$7,344; out-of-state ~$20,304.
• Chaminade tuition (private): ~$28,000.
• Hawaii offers state aid including the Hawaii Promise Program for community college pathways.
• Cost of living is high statewide, especially in Honolulu.

• UH Mānoa is known for marine biology, oceanography, business, nursing, and Hawaiian studies.
• UH Hilo excels in astronomy, marine science, pharmacy, and agriculture.
• Chaminade is strong in education, criminal justice, business, and health sciences.
• All major Hawaii colleges are accredited by WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission).
• STEM and engineering programs at UH Mānoa hold ABET accreditation.

• UH Mānoa: urban campus in Honolulu with diverse student life and strong research culture.
• UH Hilo: rural/coastal campus on the Big Island with a close-knit community.
• Chaminade: small private campus in Honolulu with a supportive, faith-based environment.
• Housing availability varies; Honolulu has high housing costs.

• Hawaii offers opportunities in tourism, healthcare, education, environmental science, and public service.
• UH Mānoa median alumni salary: ~$55,000 early career.
• UH Hilo median alumni salary: ~$47,000 early career.
• Chaminade median alumni salary: ~$45,000 early career.

• All major Hawaii colleges offer year-round campus tours and virtual visits.
• Program-specific tours, student panels, and recruiter meetings are widely available.

University of Hawaii at Mānoa (UH Mānoa)
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo)
Chaminade University

Hawaii’s top colleges offer strong programs in marine science, environmental studies, health sciences, and Hawaiian culture, with diverse campus environments across the islands.

Hawaii offers a distinctive, community‑focused college experience shaped by island culture, strong workforce programs, and close connections to local industries. Students benefit from supportive campuses, hands‑on training, and programs aligned with Hawaii’s economic needs, including tourism, healthcare, environmental science, and skilled trades.

• Academic strengths: hospitality management, nursing, culinary arts, marine science, HVAC, business administration
• Campus environments: coastal cities, rural island communities, and culturally rich learning environments
• Student profile: local residents, adult learners, Native Hawaiian students, and those seeking specialized island‑based programs

Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., especially for housing and food. However, community colleges help reduce overall education costs through affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and strong financial aid options.

• Most affordable college areas: Hilo, Kahului, Līhuʻe
• Higher‑cost areas: Honolulu, Waikīkī, Maui resort regions
• Typical student housing range: $1,000–$2,000 per month for shared apartments
• Transportation: public transit available on Oʻahu; other islands rely heavily on cars

Students should budget for housing, transportation, food, and island‑specific costs such as utilities and groceries.

Hawaii offers several financial aid programs designed to support students pursuing community college, technical training, and workforce‑ready programs.

• Hawaii Promise Scholarship: covers unmet tuition needs for eligible community college students.
• Native Hawaiian Tuition Assistance: supports Native Hawaiian students through various state and private programs.
• Workforce Development Grants: funding for students entering high‑demand fields such as healthcare, hospitality, and skilled trades.
• General requirements: FAFSA completion, Hawaii residency, and meeting academic or program‑specific criteria.

Hawaii’s economy is shaped by tourism, healthcare, education, environmental science, and skilled trades. Community colleges maintain strong partnerships with local employers, offering direct pipelines into high‑demand careers.

• Major industries: hospitality and tourism, healthcare, marine science, construction, education
• Common entry‑level roles: medical assistant, LPN, hospitality supervisor, culinary professional, HVAC technician, marine field technician
• Best cities for internships and training: Honolulu (healthcare and tourism), Hilo (environmental science), Kahului (skilled trades and hospitality)

Students comparing Hawaii colleges should consider program strengths, island location, and long‑term career goals.

1. Identify your goals: workforce training, certificate programs, or transfer pathways
2. Compare program strengths: hospitality, healthcare, trades, marine science, or business
3. Check employer partnerships: many colleges offer apprenticeships, clinicals, and industry‑aligned training
4. Review transfer pathways: Hawaii community colleges offer seamless transfer options to the University of Hawaii system
5. Visit campuses: explore labs, training facilities, and student support services

Students often consider these factors when deciding whether Hawaii is the right place for their college education.

• Pros: strong workforce programs, unique island‑based learning, supportive communities, cultural richness, excellent hospitality and marine programs
• Cons: high cost of living, limited public transit on most islands, fewer large employers compared to mainland states