Best Colleges in Hawaii – 2024

Academic Highlights: As Hawaii’s flagship research institution and one of only a handful of land-, sea-, and space-grant universities, UH Manoa delivers exceptional opportunities with 93 bachelor’s programs across 14 colleges. The university’s unique island location, encompassing 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones, creates an unparalleled living laboratory for hands-on learning. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students engage in transformative research while benefiting from the personalized attention characteristic of a top-tier academic institution.

Professional Outcomes: UH Manoa graduates play pivotal roles in shaping Hawaii’s future, with top employers including the State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, City and County of Honolulu, and Kamehameha Schools. While most alumni strengthen the Honolulu metropolitan area (earning median salaries of $57,624), their preparation equips them for global impact. The university’s rare triple-grant status and island ecosystem create professionals uniquely qualified to address pressing environmental, cultural, and technological challenges.

Academic Highlights: UH Hilo delivers the intimate learning environment of a private college through its public university system, featuring a remarkable 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 16 students. This personalized approach across 38 undergraduate majors enables close mentorship and abundant undergraduate research opportunities, particularly valuable in UH Hilo’s unique island setting that serves as a natural laboratory for scientific and cultural study.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates play vital roles in Hawaii’s communities, with top employers including the Hawaii State Department of Education, Hilo Benioff Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente. While most alumni choose to strengthen the Hilo community, others bring their distinctive island-informed education to the Los Angeles metropolitan area. As part of the UH system, graduates benefit from strong regional networks while being prepared for diverse professional environments.

Academic Highlights: Brigham Young University-Hawaii offers 38 majors within its unique island setting, maintaining a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio that supports personalized learning. All students, regardless of major, engage with religious coursework as part of the university’s distinctive faith-based curriculum. This intimate academic environment brings together a remarkably diverse community representing 60 countries, creating a truly global learning experience where cultural exchange and spiritual growth complement rigorous academic preparation.

Professional Outcomes: BYU-Hawaii graduates typically establish roots in Hawaii, with strong concentrations in the Honolulu metropolitan area and Salt Lake City. They find success with prominent employers like the Polynesian Cultural Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Intermountain Health. The Class of 2023 achieved solid outcomes, with 47% employed and 18% pursuing advanced education. These results reflect the university’s mission to develop globally-minded graduates who blend professional competence with strong moral character, whether serving in their island communities or beyond.

Academic Highlights: UH West Oahu provides students with a personalized educational experience through nine degree programs offering 46 specialized concentrations. With an average class size of 19 students and a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, learners benefit from close faculty mentorship in an intimate academic environment. The university enhances its island-based education with global perspectives through study abroad programs in Japan and South Korea, preparing graduates to engage with Hawaii’s diverse communities and beyond.

Professional Outcomes: UH West Oahu graduates play vital roles in Hawaii’s workforce, with many serving in key institutions including the Hawaii State Department of Education, various State of Hawaii agencies, and the University of Hawaii system. Alumni also contribute to national organizations like the U.S. Army and Department of Veterans Affairs while earning a strong median salary of $52,075. Most choose to live and work in the Honolulu metropolitan area, applying their education to benefit local communities and preserve Hawaii’s unique cultural heritage.

Academic Highlights: As Hawaii’s only Marianist university, Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a distinctive values-based education through its 60+ undergraduate majors and minors across five schools. The university provides an exceptionally personalized learning environment with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 100% faculty-taught classes, and an average class size of just 17 students. Chaminade further distinguishes itself through its CIFAL Honolulu Center, part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, giving students unique opportunities to engage with global issues while studying in Hawaii’s dynamic cultural setting.

Professional Outcomes: Chaminade graduates play vital roles in Hawaii’s communities and institutions, with most building their careers in the Honolulu metropolitan area. They serve at leading employers including the Hawaii State Department of Education, the State of Hawaii government, and multiple branches of the U.S. military and federal government. These strong local outcomes reflect Chaminade’s mission to develop ethical leaders who contribute meaningfully to Hawaii’s future while maintaining the university’s special connection to the islands’ educational, governmental, and civic institutions.