Best Colleges in Hawaii (2026)
19 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
19
Colleges
$43,778
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$20,457
Avg Net Price
78%
Avg Admit Rate
47%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
Hawaii is home to 19 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Hawaii Pacific University leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $43,778 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
86%
Net Price
$29,657
Grad Rate
35%
Earnings
$59,593
Admit
91%
Net Price
$28,856
Grad Rate
55%
Earnings
$52,343
Admit
47%
Net Price
$16,774
Grad Rate
53%
Earnings
$52,064
Admit
N/A
Net Price
$23,151
Grad Rate
45%
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.
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Find my Hawaii collegeAll Colleges in Hawaii
All 19 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 | 47% | $16,774 | 53% | $52,064 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | 91% | $28,856 | 55% | $52,343 |
| Hawaii Community College | Hilo | Public | N/A | $8,942 | N/A | $34,891 |
| Hawaii Institute of Hair Design | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | $20,970 | N/A | $25,235 |
| Hawaii Medical College | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | $30,107 | N/A | $38,880 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | 86% | $29,657 | 35% | $59,593 |
| Hawaii Tokai International College | Kapolei | Private Nonprofit | 78% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Honolulu Community College | Honolulu | Public | N/A | $7,458 | N/A | $45,105 |
| Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu | Public | N/A | $5,202 | N/A | $44,599 |
| Kauai Community College | Lihue | Public | N/A | $10,436 | N/A | $36,868 |
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City | Public | N/A | $5,137 | N/A | $39,899 |
| Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy | Honolulu | Private For-Profit | N/A | $11,824 | N/A | N/A |
| Mauna Loa Helicopters | Kailua Kona | Private For-Profit | N/A | $115,636 | N/A | N/A |
| Pacific Rim Christian University | Honolulu | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $23,151 | 45% | $40,523 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hilo | Public | 61% | $11,856 | 48% | $47,856 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu | Public | 87% | $15,664 | 64% | $57,624 |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului | Public | N/A | $8,061 | 28% | $34,453 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei | Public | 95% | $10,327 | 50% | $52,075 |
| Windward Community College | Kaneohe | Public | N/A | $8,169 | N/A | $38,439 |
Showing 19 of 19 schools