Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

Lorraine Mumby
By
Updated on October 3, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
The higher education experts at BestColleges.com have reviewed top online colleges in Hawaii. Start planning your future at BestColleges.com.

As career entry in the U.S. becomes increasingly competitive, more and more students attend university because they recognize the importance of obtaining college degrees for long-term professional success. The National Center for Education Statistics projects that the undergraduate student population will expand from 16.8 million in 2017 to 17.2 million by 2028. You can access better positions and higher pay by earning postsecondary credentials.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree earn $24,000 more in average annual salary than those with a high school diploma.

In lieu of campus-based academics, you may opt for accessible distance education. Remote academic programs come with distinct scholarships and affordable tuition that often ignores residency status. Online schools typically feature asynchronous classes that allow you to access course materials and collaborate with peers at your convenience. This flexibility enables you to work while you go to school or accelerate graduation and earn a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of four.

The plethora of degree options can seem overwhelming as you look for the school that best supports your interests and goals. This guide assists your search by detailing the five best colleges in Hawaii with respect to elements such as accreditation, cost, yearly student retention, and graduation rates. Each profile features information on the school’s program offerings and academic resources.

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You can also learn about general admission requirements. If a college piques your interest, don’t hesitate to contact the institution’s admissions counselors. These specialists can help you find scholarships and complete the enrollment process.

By attending a Hawaiian college, you stand to benefit from the state’s robust economy. Hawaii features career opportunities in major industries like national defense, advanced manufacturing, hospitality service, and, of course, tourism. The BLS reports that, as of October 2019, Hawaii’s unemployment rate sat at 2.7%, well below the national average of 3.7%.

Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

#1 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • Location-markerHonolulu, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$28,430
  • Out-of-state$28,430
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,200
  • Out-of-state$25,200
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate92%
  • Students Enrolled2,039
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment67%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Manoa

  • Location-markerHonolulu, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,304
  • Out-of-state$33,336
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,600
  • Out-of-state$33,648
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled19,256
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

Hawaii Pacific University

  • Location-markerHonolulu, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$31,440
  • Out-of-state$31,440
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,306
  • Out-of-state$20,306
  • Retention Rate57%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled4,748
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Hilo

  • Location-markerHilo, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,344
  • Out-of-state$20,304
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,736
  • Out-of-state$26,568
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled2,977
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii

University of Hawaii Maui College

  • Location-markerKahului, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,144
  • Out-of-state$8,280
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled2,472
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2021. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Click here to see the best campus colleges in Hawaii.

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