Cheapest College Programs in Hawaii

Community colleges dominate Hawaii's most affordable degree options, with programs starting around $3,400 annually for residents at schools like Honolulu Community College and Leeward Community College. These institutions serve as important pathways into Hawaii's tourism and healthcare sectors, which employ over 200,000 workers statewide. The University of Hawaii system offers the next tier of affordable options, with UH West Oahu providing four-year degrees at approximately $7,800 per year for residents. Students can complete associate degrees in high-demand fields like nursing and hospitality management before transferring to complete bachelor's programs. Hawaii's geographic isolation creates unique advantages for local graduates, as employers often prefer candidates familiar with island logistics and multicultural business practices. The state's $87 billion tourism industry relies heavily on graduates from these affordable programs, particularly in hotel management and culinary arts. Healthcare remains another major employer, with Kaiser Permanente and Hawaii Pacific Health actively recruiting from local nursing and medical assistant programs.

Programs in Hawaii

Programs by affordability
Program	Most Affordable School	Net Price
Accounting and Related Services	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063
Biology, General	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063
Business Administration, Management and Operations	University of Hawaii-West Oahu	$10,666
Communication and Media Studies	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063
Computer Science	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063
English Language and Literature, General	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063
History	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	University of Hawaii-West Oahu	$10,666
Psychology, General	University of Hawaii at Hilo	$12,063

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hawaii's community colleges particularly affordable compared to mainland options?

Hawaii residents pay around $3,400 annually at community colleges, significantly less than the national average of $4,100. The state subsidizes these programs heavily because they address critical workforce shortages in tourism and healthcare, sectors that generate over 40% of Hawaii's economy.

How do University of Hawaii campuses compare in cost across the different islands?

UH West Oahu offers the most affordable four-year option at $7,800 annually for residents, while UH Manoa costs approximately $11,500. UH Hilo falls in between at around $8,900, making the smaller campuses attractive alternatives for budget-conscious students seeking bachelor's degrees.

Is transferring between Hawaii's community colleges and universities straightforward for students?

The University of Hawaii system maintains guaranteed transfer agreements with all community colleges in the state. Students completing associate degrees with a 2.7 GPA or higher can transfer seamlessly, and over 60% of community college graduates pursue this pathway to four-year degrees.

Does Hawaii offer special pricing for Pacific Island students at these affordable schools?

Students from American Samoa, Guam, and other Pacific territories qualify for resident tuition rates at most Hawaii institutions through the Good Neighbor Discount. This reduces costs by approximately $15,000 annually compared to standard non-resident rates at four-year universities.

Where do graduates from Hawaii's most affordable programs typically find employment?

Local healthcare systems like Kaiser Permanente hire 70% of nursing graduates, while major hotel chains including Hilton and Marriott recruit from hospitality programs. The state government also employs over 50,000 workers, many holding degrees from these affordable institutions.

All Colleges in Hawaii Best Colleges in Hawaii Best Value Programs in Hawaii

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships. See our methodology.