2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in Hawaii
The state of Hawaii offers a variety of online degree programs across multiple disciplines. These online Hawaii schools cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering degrees in fields such as business, education, healthcare, and technology.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Hawaii at Manoa has the highest student rating of 3.5 out of 5 and a retention rate of 79%.
- The University of Hawaii at Hilo has an "A" Salary Score, with median graduate earnings over $76,000.
- Chaminade University of Honolulu is our pick for an affordable Hawaii school because it maintains tuition costs below $18,000.
Our methodology deviates from traditional rankings to cater to diverse student needs, presenting colleges in four categories: Best by Salary Score, Best by Affordability, Highest Rated by Students, and Honorable Mention.
Best by Salary Score
We often evaluate online schools based on alumni salaries to help prospective students determine which ones offer the best long-term financial investment. These Salary Scores are represented as letter grades. The earnings data we use is based on early career salaries four years after completing a degree. The University of Hawaii at Hilo has an "A" Salary Score, with median graduate earnings above $76,000.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Why We Like Them:
UH Hilo offers above-average median earnings for its graduates, with a figure of $76,453. This places its alumni among the top 10% of earners compared to other institutions across the country. Additionally, UH Hilo boasts a 100% recommendation rate from its students, further underscoring the quality of the online programs offered. The school's online offerings are mostly in the education and healthcare fields and include advanced degrees such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Master of Education (MEd), ensuring diverse academic opportunities in several fields of study. UH Hilo also offers the unique Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education Program.
What Students Say:
"It is a great experience - diverse curriculum and student body. Warm friendly professors who really care about the topics."
Ali, Graduated 2012
Best by Affordability
This school's highly affordable online degrees in Hawaii have an annual tuition rate under $18,000, not including course fees. The OnlineU team manually checks tuition costs and online degrees on the school's official websites. Remember to check the school's website for any extra fees before applying. This school shows annual tuition at the bachelor’s level.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Why We Like Them:
Noted for its affordability, CUH offers a tuition of $17,843, making it a cost-effective choice for online education. Combined with good median earnings of $63,539 for graduates, putting in the top 30% for this metric, CUH presents a strong value for students concerned with affordability. The graduation rate stands at 66%, situating Chaminade in the top 20% for student success in completing their degrees. During your studies, you'll receive personalized attention thanks to the 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. CUH's Flex Online Undergraduate Program is accommodating for working adults, offering new courses starting monthly, paced learning, and one-on-one support. This program allows you to tailor your education to fit your busy schedule, ensuring you can advance your career without compromising your responsibilities.
What Students Say:
"The great thing about Chaminade that really sets the bar is the quality of education that it provides to all of its students. The professors are highly accessible and supportive to not only each other but to all members of the community."
Jerolene Ikeda-Bernardo, Graduated 2014
Highest Rated by Students
This online university in Hawaii offers impressive alumni reviews, which is a great way to measure overall student satisfaction. To make our list, we ensure the school has at least 20 student reviews posted on OnlineU or GradReports, our companion site.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Why We Like Them:
UH Manoa has an overall review rating of 3.77 out of 5, providing a satisfactory education experience for online students. Add a graduation rate of 62%, which puts UH Manoa in the top 26% of schools nationwide, and you can be confident in your ability to complete your degree successfully. The university offers a broad selection of online programs from bachelor's to graduate levels, including popular degrees like the Online Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and the Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. UH Manoa also stands out with a median earning of $59,829, placing graduates in the top 30%, indicating a solid return on your educational investment. The online programs can be taken synchronously or asynchronously, making them ideal for working adults looking to fit a high-quality education into their busy lifestyles.
What Students Say:
"The program is set up well for those that have full-time jobs and families...professors are reasonable and definitely understand what we are going through as a cohort."
Sarah Harris, Graduated 2015
Honorable Mention
Many colleges and universities don't fit neatly into a single category, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked. Our Honorable Mention section highlights a school that deserves your attention during your college search. For example, it boasts a high recommendation rate from alumni and shows support for military students.
Hawai'i Pacific University
Why We Like Them:
HPU excels in its support for the military, with 841 enlisted students, putting it in the top 18% of military enrollment nationwide. The university is also committed to financial accessibility, with 100% of students receiving financial aid, placing it in the top 19% for financial aid distribution. Another strong statistic is HPU's 90% recommendation rate from its alumni, which further reinforces its strong reputation among its students. Various online programs are available across multiple modalities, including online, hybrid, and virtual options. These offerings are specially designed to foster personalized, student-centered, and experiential learning.
What Students Say:
"HPU has taught me that not only does student diversity play an important role in university culture, but our professors are as helping and endearing as can be. They make sure that you are not only academically successful, but they give you the tools necessary to become a professional with your degree...I am so proud to be apart of such a diverse and amazing university!"
Kimberly, Graduated 2018
Student Reviews of Online Programs
I love going to Fortis. Im in the nursing program and have not had any problems. This school has a 96% pass rate on the nclex exam for students taking it for the first time. The teachers are always available for extra help and they want there students to succeed!!
Review Date: 6/27/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I graduated from Carrington college with a MA certifcate in 2010. Got hired on my extern. My friend couldnt find a job after her extern but eventually got hired.Have patience and be positive:).
Review Date: 9/25/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Good school. Plenty of tools to help me learn. The instructors could be present a bit more with grading and getting back to you if there is an issue. The school is very present in helping out and answering you and answering your questions. Student advisors are always in contact and uplifting.
Review Date: 2/28/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
A lack of school funded scholarship opportunities.
Review Date: 5/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
There are some really great instructors within the program. I have always received prompt help with any and all questions that arise.
Review Date: 6/12/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program director has been extremely communicative and helpful. She has been willing to fully explain answers to questions I have had during the course of the program. The program is hands-on with a practicum aspect that prepares students for jobs evaluating programs or companies upon graduation. The certificate also counts as a project management degree which also open professional opportunities for my career.
Review Date: 3/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Instructors are fabulous, the coursework can be a little overwhelming at times, but it's a challenging program. You'll learn a lot. love it.
Review Date: 12/18/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've really enjoyed my experience so far at UMass-Boston. Great people who are responsive to needs!
Review Date: 12/21/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program is challenging yet fare. Quality of program is competitive.
Review Date: 8/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Completed the Project Management Certificate thru UCLA Extension. Classes were very well put together however I would've liked to have a bit more interaction from the Professors. Fundamentals course was pretty easy while the Project Risk course very enlightening
Review Date: 8/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love this school. A pro is the fact that they have an online program for the students. Another pro is the faculty and staff friendly and professional attitudes. They seem really willing to help. A con would be the price.
Review Date: 2/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The pros I would say is that it is flexible to with my schedule, great lectures and materials. The cons I see it that it is costly.
Review Date: 2/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This programs prepares students to become a successful Speech Language Pathologist with great job opportunities.
Review Date: 8/1/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pros: online education is wonderful because it fits into my busy life as an educator and mother. The instructors try to make it as hands-on as possible, giving us the same assignments as residential. Cons: Very expensive since we are charged out of state fees, even though I still live in CA. They charge out of state fees because it is open to people out of state. Sometimes professors look at the distance students as second class students and don't respond quickly to questions. Some professors are... Read More
Review Date: 2/16/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Pros: Faculty are always available via email or office hours, lectures are recorded and available online, professors are friendly, respectful, and genuinely care about and want to get to know the students. Cons: The workload is at times very heavy, but that is to be expected with any graduate program. Because it is a new program, there are often technology issues.
Review Date: 4/4/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Professors are accessible and willing to answer any questions.
Review Date: 6/21/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As an online college UMUC is great. They work with you and are in consistent contact with you. Advisors are readily available for questions and will work with you to help you with your goals. The cost of my program was higher than standard graduate classes. I am not sure why this is. In addition, while the content is adequate I have been a little disappointed with hands-on experience. There are virtual machines and labs for all the technical experience, but I felt like this was underutilized.
Review Date: 6/24/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It is great to have the flexibility of online learning however some professors are hard to contact online. Most of my professors responded right away.
Review Date: 7/29/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Liberty University Online is an awesome school. Their teachers are fair and they challenge their students. The thing I like most about the college is their continued effort to merge Christianity into a professional atmosphere. I have been studying psychology for four years. I have received my Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I do not claim to be an expert and all knowledge about the field; however I do feel very comfortable with the material. Throughout my undergrad time, I kept my... Read More
Review Date: 8/3/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Wonderful program that uses other institutions to deliver high quality education.
Review Date: 4/25/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Higher Education in Hawaii
Most of us think of Hawaii as an idyllic vacation destination, but for the , this chain of islands is also a place of business and industry. Much of the revolves around tourism, which includes hospitality services, transportation, and retail trade. Other key industries include agriculture, financial services, healthcare services, and insurance.
Preparing to join the state's workforce through higher education is a high priority in Hawaii. In fact, 34.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Prospective learners can attend one of the many public universities, such as the four campuses of the University of Hawaii, or a private university. Options include Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu and Brigham Young University-Hawaii in Laie.
In addition to on-campus programs, many of Hawaii's colleges and universities offer online learning programs for associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas. Health sciences, computer science, criminal justice, and information technology are among the most common bachelor's degrees in the state. Popular master's degree subjects include business administration and public administration.
Accreditation
If you're considering pursuing a college degree at one of the online colleges in Hawaii, there are many factors to consider. Cost, program details, and student services are vital, and accreditation is equally important. All of the schools listed on our rankings of the best online colleges in Hawaii are accredited, most likely by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges () or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission ().
Enrollment in an accredited online college in Hawaii is a top priority for many reasons. It is required for you to qualify for financial aid and to transfer credits from one school to another. You may also need to have earned your bachelor's degree from an accredited school to be accepted into a master's program, and you may need an accredited degree to qualify for licensure to practice certain professions in Hawaii, such as teaching or nursing.
Want a career that allows you to serve your community in Hawaii? Discover some of your many options on our Online Nursing Programs in Hawaii and Online MSW Programs in Hawaii pages.
FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in Hawaii
How Many Colleges Are in Hawaii?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) lists of higher education in Hawaii. The state-run University of Hawaii System is made up of three universities and seven community colleges. The remaining 13 are privately operated universities and specialty colleges.
What Are the Best Colleges in Hawaii?
Many highly regarded colleges can be found in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii campuses at Manoa, Hilo, and West Oahu all offer online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. One of the top private schools — Chaminade University of Honolulu — offers accelerated online degrees.
How Much Is Hawaii College Tuition?
The NCES provides data that compares each state's with national averages. This data shows that tuition rates at colleges in Hawaii are about equal to rates around the country, although tuition at four-year colleges may be slightly higher. For example, attending a four-year university in Hawaii with in-state residency during the 2022-23 academic year costs $10,484 annually, compared to the U.S. average of $9,750 annually.
Traditional and online students in Hawaii — especially Native Hawaiians — may be eligible for an extensive array of . These include the Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships, the Ka‘ehu Scholarship Fund, the Hoʻoulu Scholarship Fund, and several scholarships sponsored by civic clubs across Hawaii. Prospective students can apply for these financial aid programs by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Are There Any Online Community Colleges in Hawaii?
Yes, there are six accredited community colleges in Hawaii that are part of the University of Hawaii System. Four of the six — Leeward Community College, Windward Community College, Kaua'i Community College, and Kapi'olani Community College — offer online associate degrees in subjects such as accounting, healthcare administration, and emergency management. There is also an independent two-year school called the Hawaii Tokai International College in Kapolei, but this school does not offer online college courses in Hawaii.