UnisHub University Compass

University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About University of Hawaii

On Hawai'i Island's windward side, UH Hilo sits where volcano, ocean, and sky shape daily life. The university is known for hands-on learning in the sciences, Hawaiian language and culture, sustainability, and teacher preparation, with an emphasis on fieldwork and real community projects. Students tap into labs, a well used library, cultural spaces, tutoring and advising, and wellness services that feel personal rather than distant.

Campus life leans friendly and close-knit. Clubs, hula and canoe paddling, intramurals, and student-led events keep the week lively, and weekends often mean hikes to waterfalls, snorkeling calm coves, or stargazing with a strong respect for place. Career prep runs through internships with local schools, conservation groups, health providers, and small businesses. And the Hilo community adds farmers market flavors, local music, and year-round chances to serve and learn side by side.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
200 W Kawili St, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Unit ID
141565

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
WSCUC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Campus Setting
Located in a remote town (35+ miles from urbanized area)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R3 (Moderate Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$7,838
Tuition $7,344 + Fee $494
Out-of-State
$20,798
Tuition $20,304 + Fee $494
Student Profile
Total Students 2,781
Undergraduate 2,260
Graduate/Other 521
Male: 989 Female: 1,792
Applications
Total Applicants 2,562
Admitted 2,300
Enrolled 367
Acceptance: 89.8% Yield: 16%
Staff
Total Staff 556
Full-time 474
Part-time 82
Full-time: 85.3% Part-time: 14.7%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo offers 40 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 633 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (3 programs, 118 graduates), Business (2 programs, 75 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 72 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 70 graduates) and Social Sciences (4 programs, 39 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (3 programs, 118 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Pharmacy 74
Bachelor's
Doctorate (P)
51.2001
Registered Nursing 40
Bachelor's
51.3801
Nursing Practice 4
Doctorate (P)
51.3818
Business (2 programs, 75 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 63
Bachelor's
52.0201
Accounting 12
Bachelor's
52.0301
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 72 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography 38
Bachelor's
26.1302
Biology and Biological Sciences 34
Bachelor's
26.0101
Psychology (2 programs, 70 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 47
Bachelor's
42.0101
Counseling Psychology 23
Master's
42.2803
Social Sciences (4 programs, 39 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Geography 12
Bachelor's
45.0701
Anthropology 10
Bachelor's
45.0201
Sociology 9
Bachelor's
45.1101
Political Science and Government 8
Bachelor's
45.1001
Kinesiology (1 programs, 33 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 33
Bachelor's
31.0505
Natural Resources (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Environmental Science 31
Bachelor's
Master's
03.0104
Cultural Studies (3 programs, 28 graduates)
Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies and Social Group Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
American Indian and Native American Studies 21
Bachelor's
05.0202
Japanese Studies 5
Bachelor's
05.0127
Women's Studies 2
Bachelor's
05.0207
Communication (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 27
Bachelor's
09.0101
Physical Sciences (4 programs, 25 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Chemistry 8
Bachelor's
40.0501
Geology and Earth Science 7
Bachelor's
40.0601
Astronomy 6
Bachelor's
40.0201
Physics 4
Bachelor's
40.0801

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
898 - 1110
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 478 - 570
Median: 535
Math 420 - 540
Median: 500
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
15 - 22
25th-75th percentile
English 14 - 21
Median: 18
Math 15 - 20
Median: 17

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$21,422
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$34,382
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$7,838
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$20,798
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$8,248 (on) / $14,524 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,350
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,986 (on) / $12,880 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,230
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,230
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$27,062
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

14%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$7,454
Avg. Loan
$7,158
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,776
Additional
Students with Any Grant
255
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
127
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
150
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$4,445
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

42%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
70%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$26,276 – $68,319
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$26,276 (25th %) $68,319 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $47,856
Median Salary After 6 Years
$37,204
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$47,856
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
63.2%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
75.1%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$20,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 54.8%
Middle 67.9%
High 74.6%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 68.6%
Independent 53.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo

How much does it cost to attend University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo?

The annual tuition at University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo is $7,838 for in-state students and $20,798 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,422 for in-state students and $34,382 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,248 (on) / $14,524 (off) and books and supplies $1,350.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does University of Hawaii, Hilo offer?

University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo offers 40 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (4 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for University of Hawaii, Hilo?

University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo has an 89.8% acceptance rate and a 16% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 2,562
  • Students admitted: 2,300
  • Students enrolled: 367

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of Hawaii, Hilo?

University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo provides financial aid to 14% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,454 and average loans of $7,158.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,168
  • State/Local grants: $3,730
  • Institutional grants: $4,445
  • Federal loans: $4,776

The university supports 255 students with grants and 127 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for University of Hawaii, Hilo graduates?

University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo graduates earn a median salary of $37,204 after 6 years and $47,856 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $26,276 (25th percentile) to $68,319 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $69,000 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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