About Brigham Young University-Hawaii
This small Hawaiian campus serves as the Pacific center for Latter-day Saints education, drawing students from across Polynesia and Asia. With just 2,812 students nestled in the town of Laie, BYU-Hawaii emphasizes international diversity and Pacific Islander culture. The university produced leaders like John Tanner, who rose to prominence in LDS Church leadership, and Iosepa Maiava, a key figure in Samoan government. Students compete for spots through a 34% acceptance rate, with most scoring around 1130 on the SAT. The campus operates on the motto "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve," reflecting its mission-focused approach to education.
The financial picture looks remarkably accessible for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $13,884 annually, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at just $6,438. Graduates earn a median of $52,064 ten years after graduation, while carrying only $9,413 in median debt. Monthly loan payments average just $100, making this one of the more affordable paths to a bachelor's degree. The 86% employment rate shows strong job placement for graduates.
The student body reflects the school's Pacific focus, with only 21% white students and heavy representation from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Most students come from outside Hawaii, with just 10% from in-state.
The financial picture looks remarkably accessible for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $13,884 annually, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at just $6,438. Graduates earn a median of $52,064 ten years after graduation, while carrying only $9,413 in median debt. Monthly loan payments average just $100, making this one of the more affordable paths to a bachelor's degree. The 86% employment rate shows strong job placement for graduates.
The student body reflects the school's Pacific focus, with only 21% white students and heavy representation from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Most students come from outside Hawaii, with just 10% from in-state.
Academics & Faculty
BYU-Hawaii operates as a liberal arts university with a unique mission to serve Pacific Island and international students. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in an intimate setting with just 2,812 students. The university emphasizes intercultural learning and service, preparing students for careers in education, business, and social work throughout the Pacific region. However, the 54% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges students face, often related to financial constraints and cultural transitions. Students praise the strong programs in Pacific Island studies, international business, and education. The semester system allows for deep engagement with coursework while many students balance work-study obligations that help fund their education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.4%
- Retention Rate
- 67.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,064
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,436 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Leisure and Recreational Activities. | Bachelor | $21,234 |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. | Bachelor | $19,455 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $17,846 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $8,500 |
Campus Life
BYU-Hawaii sits on Oahu's North Shore, about an hour from Honolulu, surrounded by beaches and small Hawaiian towns. The campus houses 2,070 students in on-campus housing, representing nearly three-quarters of the 2,812 total enrollment. Students trade winter coats for year-round sunscreen, with temperatures rarely dropping below 70 degrees. The 58% female, 42% male student body creates a close-knit community where everyone knows each other.
Weekends revolve around beach activities, surfing, and outdoor adventures across the island. The LDS honor code shapes campus culture, with no alcohol or caffeine on campus and modest dress standards. Students represent dozens of countries, making the cafeteria a global experience where you might hear Samoan, Japanese, and Spanish at neighboring tables. The semester calendar includes breaks that let students explore other Hawaiian islands. With only 9.55% of students from Hawaii, most arrive from the mainland or international locations, creating a unique multicultural Mormon community in paradise.
Weekends revolve around beach activities, surfing, and outdoor adventures across the island. The LDS honor code shapes campus culture, with no alcohol or caffeine on campus and modest dress standards. Students represent dozens of countries, making the cafeteria a global experience where you might hear Samoan, Japanese, and Spanish at neighboring tables. The semester calendar includes breaks that let students explore other Hawaiian islands. With only 9.55% of students from Hawaii, most arrive from the mainland or international locations, creating a unique multicultural Mormon community in paradise.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 2,070 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
66 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 65°–77°F
- July Avg
- 73°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The vast majority of students come from outside Hawaii, with only 9.55% being in-state residents. This reflects BYU-Hawaii's unique mission as a gathering place for Latter-day Saints from across the Pacific Rim and beyond. Women outnumber men 58% to 42%, typical for universities emphasizing education and service fields. The student body is remarkably diverse, with White students comprising just 20% of enrollment while Asian and Pacific Islander students form a significant presence. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school successfully attracts students from modest economic backgrounds who value affordable, faith-centered education.
- Men
- 42.0%
- Women
- 58.0%
- White
- 20.3%
- Black
- 0.3%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 8.5%
- In-State Students
- 9.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.7%
Location
Brigham Young University-Hawaii sits in Laie on Oahu's North Shore, about 40 miles from Honolulu. The campus occupies 100 acres in a small town surrounded by tropical beaches and mountains. Laie remains one of Hawaii's few planned Mormon communities, established in 1865. The Polynesian Cultural Center sits directly across from campus, creating a unique cultural center. Only 9.55% of students come from Hawaii, making this one of the most geographically diverse campuses in America. The North Shore attracts surfers worldwide, but Laie maintains a quiet, residential atmosphere distinct from Honolulu's urban energy. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare Brigham Young University-Hawaii with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Laie, Hawaii 96762-1294
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,064
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,333
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $100/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,413
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Brigham Young University-Hawaii?
BYU-Hawaii accepts 34.21% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school draws from a unique global pool of LDS students, with only 9.55% coming from Hawaii itself.
How much does Brigham Young University-Hawaii cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,884 annually. The school offers remarkably low tuition at $6,438 for all students, reflecting the LDS Church's subsidization of education costs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Brigham Young University-Hawaii?
The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,812 total students. This small scale allows for close mentoring relationships that support the school's international mission program focus.
What do graduates of Brigham Young University-Hawaii typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $52,064 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt of $9,413. The 86.2% employment rate reflects strong preparation for careers in the Pacific region and international service.
Where do students live at Brigham Young University-Hawaii?
The campus houses 2,070 students in on-campus facilities, accommodating nearly three-quarters of the student body. This residential focus builds the tight-knit community essential to the school's multicultural mission.
How diverse is Brigham Young University-Hawaii's student body?
The student population is remarkably diverse with only 20.27% white students and significant representation from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. This reflects the university's unique role as a gathering place for LDS students from across the Pacific Rim.
