Best colleges in Hawaii

Education in Paradise

It’s normal to wear a lei at graduation

It’s not exactly difficult to convince someone to vacation in Hawaii. But what many people may not realize is the strong educational system unique to the islands. Hawaii has 6 two-year institutions, 4 four-year institutions, and 6 non-profit schools, offering hundreds of degrees. Most students opt to attend school in or around Honolulu, as it is busiest with locals and tourists alike. However, for those looking for a more tucked away experience, Kauai offers opportunities at its local community college. Students come from all over the world to The Aloha state for special educational focuses like acupuncture and Oriental medicine. But, the more common majors are still readily available, with popular choices being business and hospitality & tourism management. Post-graduation in Hawaii is positive, and many jobs are available with reputable corporations including Dole Food, Big Island Air, and plenty of resorts and restaurant chains.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to major in business administration or Eastern medicine, Hawaii has plenty of options when it’s time to put down the books and let down your hair.* On the big island, you will find world famous beaches and surf, plenty of fresh fruit, and multiple dance spots including Lulu’s and Masquerade. Or island hop from Honolulu over to the smaller Kauai where the town of Lihue is always shaking with live music, dance performances and great eats. Hawaii may be known for vacations, but the locals are just as happy calling it home. Mahalo.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Wikipedia, “List of colleges and universities in Hawaii” *www.gohawaii.com

Best Four Year Universities in Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers 234 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 4,216 students graduated with students earning 2,806 Bachelor's degrees, 952 Master's degrees, 404 Doctoral degrees, and 54 Certificates.

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers 74 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 558 students graduated with students earning 336 Bachelor's degrees, 170 Master's degrees, 42 Associate's degrees, 9 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Certificate.

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Brigham Young University-Hawaii offers 79 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2020, 733 students graduated with students earning 665 Bachelor's degrees, 57 Associate's degrees, and 11 Certificates.

University of Hawaii at Hilo offers 45 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2020, 743 students graduated with students earning 579 Bachelor's degrees, 85 Doctoral degrees, and 79 Master's degrees.

University of Hawaii-West Oahu offers 8 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 678 students graduated with students earning 678 Bachelor's degrees.

Hawaii Pacific University offers 91 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 853 students graduated with students earning 564 Bachelor's degrees, 211 Master's degrees, 66 Associate's degrees, 9 Certificates, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

Pacific Rim Christian University offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 39 students graduated with students earning 17 Bachelor's degrees, 12 Associate's degrees, and 10 Master's degrees.

University of Hawaii Maui College offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 530 students graduated with students earning 381 Associate's degrees, 131 Certificates, and 18 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Phoenix-Hawaii offers 17 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 89 students graduated with students earning 83 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Master's degrees.

Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Med offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 13 students graduated with students earning 13 Master's degrees.

Best Community Colleges in Hawaii

Hawaii Medical College
Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Medical College offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city. In 2020, 218 students graduated with students earning 142 Certificates, and 76 Associate's degrees.

Kauai Community College offers 38 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2020, 194 students graduated with students earning 122 Associate's degrees, and 72 Certificates.

Hawaii Community College offers 49 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2020, 534 students graduated with students earning 369 Associate's degrees, and 165 Certificates.

Kapiolani Community College offers 43 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2020, 1,032 students graduated with students earning 870 Associate's degrees, and 162 Certificates.

Honolulu Community College offers 54 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2020, 763 students graduated with students earning 705 Associate's degrees, and 58 Certificates.

Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI

Leeward Community College offers 40 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2020, 994 students graduated with students earning 834 Associate's degrees, and 160 Certificates.

Windward Community College offers 6 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize suburb. In 2020, 260 students graduated with students earning 233 Associate's degrees, and 27 Certificates.

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List of all colleges in Hawaii

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of Hawaii at Manoa Logo University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
3/5
18 : 1 18,025
Chaminade University of Honolulu Logo Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu, HI
5/5
26 : 1 2,208
Brigham Young University-Hawaii Logo Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, HI
2/5
25 : 1 3,180
Paul Mitchell the School-Honolulu Logo Paul Mitchell the School-Honolulu Honolulu, HI     130
University of Hawaii at Hilo Logo University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo, HI
2/5
17 : 1 3,165