Best Colleges in Hawaii (2026)
22 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
22
Colleges
$43,532
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$19,081
Avg Net Price
78%
Avg Admit Rate
46%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
Hawaii is home to 22 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Hawaii Pacific University leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $43,532 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, Hawaii offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — Hawaii Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in Hawaii by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
Admit
84%
Net Price
$30,557
Grad Rate
43%
Earnings
$59,593
Admit
93%
Net Price
$28,061
Grad Rate
62%
Earnings
$52,343
Admit
38%
Net Price
$13,884
Grad Rate
59%
Earnings
$52,064
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$45,378
Admit
N/A
Net Price
$22,668
Grad Rate
53%
Earnings
$40,523
Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
Find your best-fit Hawaii college
Get a personalized report based on your interests, goals, and what matters most to you — in minutes.
Find my Hawaii collegeAll Colleges in Hawaii
All 22 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii | Laie | Private Nonprofit | 38% | $13,884 | 59% | $52,064 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | 93% | $28,061 | 62% | $52,343 |
| Columbia College - USCG Base Honolulu | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $45,378 |
| Hawaii Community College | Hilo | Public | N/A | $7,369 | 31% | $34,891 |
| Hawaii Institute of Hair Design | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | $13,238 | 76% | $25,235 |
| Hawaii Medical College | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | $35,048 | 39% | $38,880 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | 84% | $30,557 | 43% | $59,593 |
| Honolulu Community College | Honolulu | Public | N/A | $6,399 | 28% | $45,105 |
| IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage | Kahului | Private For-Profit | N/A | $7,688 | 74% | N/A |
| Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu | Public | N/A | $5,194 | 22% | $44,599 |
| Kauai Community College | Lihue | Public | N/A | $5,724 | 33% | $36,868 |
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City | Public | N/A | $7,636 | 30% | $39,899 |
| Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | $14,133 | 95% | N/A |
| Mauna Loa Helicopters | Kailua Kona | Private For-Profit | N/A | $112,070 | 57% | N/A |
| Pacific Rim Christian University | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $22,668 | 53% | $40,523 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hilo | Public | 90% | $12,063 | 42% | $47,856 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu | Public | 70% | $13,181 | 62% | $57,624 |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului | Public | N/A | $9,421 | 27% | $34,453 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei | Public | 96% | $10,666 | 40% | $52,075 |
| University of Phoenix-Hawaii | Kapolei | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 18% | $37,752 |
| Windward Community College | Kaneohe | Public | N/A | $7,533 | 27% | $38,439 |
Showing 22 of 22 schools