Hawaii is a chain of 132 volcanic islands, islets, and atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The eight main islands are the most prominent, with O’ahu being the most populous and home to the state capital, Honolulu.
The state’s geography is defined by its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. This unique environment shapes its economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism and defense.
While its population is relatively small, Hawaii is one of the most demographically diverse states in the U.S., with a rich mix of cultures from Asia, Polynesia, and the mainland.
In this guideTuition and Fee Overview in Hawaii
Hawaii’s higher education landscape is a mix of public and private institutions, each with a distinct role:
The University of Hawaii (UH) System is the state’s only public higher education institution. Its comprehensive system includes three four-year universities (UH Mānoa, UH Hilo, and UH West Oʻahu) and seven community colleges across the islands. The public system is typically more affordable for residents and offers various degrees.
The cost for an Associate’s degree in Hawaii has a wide price range. The most affordable option is at Kapiʻolani Community College, with a tuition of $7,860. The average tuition across 7 schools is $23,693, but it can be significantly higher, reaching $89,460 at Hawaiʻi Pacific University.
Associate degree programs in Hawaii
Kapiʻolani Community College
Honolulu, Hawaii
Delivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $131 in-state | $345 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $7,860 - $20,700
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsLeeward Community College
Pearl City, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $131 in-state | $345 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $7,860 - $20,700
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsWindward Community College
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $131 in-state | $345 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $7,860 - $25,185
Credits: 60-73
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsKauaʻi Community College
Puhi, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $131 in-state | $345 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $7,991 - $21,045
Credits: 61
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsBrigham Young University – Hawaiʻi
Laie, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $147
Total tuition per credit: $8,820
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsChaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600
Total tuition per credit: $36,000
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsHawaiʻi Pacific University
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,491
Total tuition per credit: $89,460
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Public and Private Institutions
For a Bachelor’s degree, tuition is lowest at Brigham Young University – Hawaiʻi, at $17,640. The average cost across 6 schools is $96,660, with the highest tuition being a considerable $178,920 at Hawaiʻi Pacific University.
Bachelor’s degree programs in Hawaii
Brigham Young University – Hawaiʻi
Laie, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $147
Total tuition per credit: $17,640
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Hawaiʻi Maui College
Kahului, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $131 in-state | $345 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $15,720 in-state | $41,400 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsChaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600
Total tuition per credit: $72,000
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu
Kapolei, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $312 in-state | $852 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $37,440 in-state | $102,240 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 23
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $480 in-state | $1,398 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $57,600 in-state | $167,760 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsHawaiʻi Pacific University
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,491
Total tuition per credit: $178,920
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Private institutions like Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) and Chaminade University of Honolulu offer a different educational experience, often with smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and a strong emphasis on a liberal arts education.
While tuition is higher, private universities may offer more institutional scholarships and grants to help offset the cost.
The tuition for a Master’s degree in Hawaii starts at $14,670 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. The average tuition across 4 schools is $59,998, and the highest cost is $69,300 at Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Master’s degree programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Hilo, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $489 in-state | $1,107 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $14,670 in-state | $33,210 out-of-state
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $650 in-state | $1,402 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $19,500 in-state | $68,698 out-of-state
Credits: 30-49
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsHawaiʻi Pacific University
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,433
Total tuition per credit: $42,990 - $68,784
Credits: 30-48
Number of degree programs: 18
Learn more: Program detailsChaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HawaiiDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $925 - $1,190
Total tuition per credit: $27,750 - $69,300
Credits: 30-60
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Key Higher Education Initiatives in Hawaii
Hawaii is committed to fostering a strong workforce and vibrant community through several key initiatives:
- Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship – Covers unmet tuition costs for eligible in-state students at UH Community Colleges.
- Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education – Promotes college readiness, early college access, and workforce-aligned education.
- Chaminade Hawai‘i Guarantee – Matches the University of Hawai‘i in-state tuition for local high school graduates attending Chaminade University.
- Native Hawaiian Education Programs – Includes scholarships and tuition waivers such as the Kuaʻana Tuition Waiver and Po‘okela Fellows, supporting Native Hawaiian students.
- East-West Center at UH Mānoa – Provides international education, scholarships, and research exchange between Asia-Pacific nations and the U.S.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways – Offers workforce-focused training in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, and renewable energy.
- Workforce Development Collaborations – Led by the Chamber of Commerce and state agencies to align academic programs with Hawaii’s job market needs.
Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition
While online students avoid the high costs of on-campus housing, it’s crucial to budget for other expenses.
- Room & Board: The cost of living in Hawaii is exceptionally high, particularly in Honolulu. A one-bedroom apartment in Honolulu can be significantly more expensive than in rural areas on other islands like the Big Island.
- Books & Supplies: The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa estimates an annual cost of around $1,404 for books and supplies.
- Transportation: For online students, intra-state travel may not be a major concern, but if you do need to travel between islands, you’ll rely on inter-island flights, which can be costly. It’s a good idea to factor in transportation costs for any necessary on-campus visits or in-person requirements.
- Pell Grant Eligibility: Your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is based on your financial need, as determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The cost of attendance at your chosen school and your enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time) are key factors in calculating your award. Be aware that the cost of living in Hawaii is higher, but the poverty guidelines used for Pell Grant calculations are also slightly higher for residents of Hawaii and Alaska, which may impact your eligibility.
State-Funded Grants & Scholarships in Hawaii
Navigating financial aid is essential for making your education in Hawaii affordable.
- FAFSA: To be considered for federal and many state-funded aid programs, you must complete the FAFSA. The priority deadline for most institutions, including Hawaii Pacific University, is March 1st for the upcoming academic year.
- Scholarships: Beyond the FAFSA, explore state and institutional scholarships. The University of Hawaii at Mānoa, for instance, offers various scholarships based on academic merit, and the Kuaʻana Tuition Waiver provides need-based aid for Native Hawaiian students. The Hawai’i Community Foundation is another excellent resource for scholarships. Always check the specific deadlines and requirements for each scholarship, as they can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Online students in Hawaii are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid as on-campus students. Completing the FAFSA by the priority deadline (usually March 1st) is crucial for accessing grants like the Pell Grant, state-funded scholarships, and institutional aid such as the Kuaʻana Tuition Waiver for Native Hawaiian students.
While tuition varies by institution, online students typically save on housing and transportation. The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa estimates ~$1,404 annually for books and supplies. Room and board costs are avoided in most online programs, making them a more budget-friendly option for many.
Graduates can pursue careers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, clean energy, and technology. As of Q2 2025, Hawaii’s unemployment rate is approximately 2.8%, with growth in healthcare services, IT, and sustainable energy making online degrees a strategic pathway to job readiness.
Yes. While online students avoid commuting costs, living expenses can vary significantly across islands. Urban areas like Honolulu tend to have higher rent and utility costs than rural areas on islands like Kauai or the Big Island, which can affect your overall budget.
Absolutely. Accredited institutions like those in the University of Hawaii system and Chaminade University offer online programs that meet national academic standards. These degrees are well-regarded by local and mainland employers, especially in Hawaii’s key industries.