About Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University draws students seeking a close-knit Catholic education in paradise. The Marianist-founded institution enrolls just 1,648 students in urban Honolulu, creating an intimate campus where nearly three-quarters of students are women. With a 93% acceptance rate, the university welcomes most applicants who apply. The small size means an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that emphasizes personal attention over prestige.
Students pay an average net price of $28,061 after financial aid, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Those from families earning under $48,000 annually pay around $19,135 after aid, while higher-income families pay closer to the full $48,240 cost of attendance. Graduates earn a median of $52,343 ten years after leaving, with typical monthly loan payments of $246 on $23,250 in debt. The financial math works better for lower-income students who receive substantial aid.
The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's multicultural character, with 26% Asian students and significant Pacific Islander representation. Only 41% of students come from Hawaii, drawing mainlanders to the island setting. The Silverswords compete in NCAA Division II athletics, with 201 student-athletes across 12 sports. However, the 58% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $28,061 after financial aid, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Those from families earning under $48,000 annually pay around $19,135 after aid, while higher-income families pay closer to the full $48,240 cost of attendance. Graduates earn a median of $52,343 ten years after leaving, with typical monthly loan payments of $246 on $23,250 in debt. The financial math works better for lower-income students who receive substantial aid.
The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's multicultural character, with 26% Asian students and significant Pacific Islander representation. Only 41% of students come from Hawaii, drawing mainlanders to the island setting. The Silverswords compete in NCAA Division II athletics, with 201 student-athletes across 12 sports. However, the 58% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Chaminade builds its academic reputation around small classes and personalized attention in the Marianist Catholic tradition. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors who know their names and academic goals. The university emphasizes undergraduate education with strong programs in nursing, education, and business, preparing students for Hawaii's key industries. However, the 58% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees despite the close faculty relationships. The Marianist focus on educating the whole person means academics blend rigorous coursework with service learning and spiritual development. Students gain both professional skills and ethical grounding for their careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.1%
- Retention Rate
- 74.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,343
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,343 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,415 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $51,273 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,046 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $45,934 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,305 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $45,026 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,072 |
Campus Life
The stunning Honolulu campus means you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. With only 296 housing spots for 1,648 students, just 18% live on campus, so most students commute from around the island. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know your name.
Weekends revolve around Hawaii's natural playground. Students hit world-famous beaches like Waikiki just minutes away, hike Diamond Head crater, or surf the North Shore breaks. The 72.6% female student body creates a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, the community includes many local Hawaii residents alongside mainland students drawn by the tropical setting. The Silverswords compete in NCAA Division II with 201 total athletes across 12 sports. Campus life blends Catholic Marianist values with island culture, creating study groups that might move to the beach and service projects focused on environmental stewardship. The small size means everyone knows each other by the end of freshman year.
Weekends revolve around Hawaii's natural playground. Students hit world-famous beaches like Waikiki just minutes away, hike Diamond Head crater, or surf the North Shore breaks. The 72.6% female student body creates a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, the community includes many local Hawaii residents alongside mainland students drawn by the tropical setting. The Silverswords compete in NCAA Division II with 201 total athletes across 12 sports. Campus life blends Catholic Marianist values with island culture, creating study groups that might move to the beach and service projects focused on environmental stewardship. The small size means everyone knows each other by the end of freshman year.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 296 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1955
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 66°–80°F
- July Avg
- 74°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Chaminade draws a predominantly female student body, with women making up nearly three-quarters of enrollment. The school serves a diverse Pacific community where Asian students represent about a quarter of the population and Hispanic students comprise 14%. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university fulfills its Marianist mission of serving working-class families. The 60-40 split between out-of-state and local students reflects both Hawaii's appeal to mainland students and the school's strong reputation among island families seeking affordable Catholic education.
- Men
- 27.4%
- Women
- 72.6%
- White
- 8.4%
- Black
- 1.7%
- Hispanic
- 14.0%
- Asian
- 26.0%
- In-State Students
- 40.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.2%
Location
Chaminade University sits in Honolulu, Hawaii's largest city and state capital. The campus is located in the heart of Oahu, offering students access to beaches, hiking trails, and urban amenities within minutes. About 59% of students come from outside Hawaii, drawn to the tropical setting and year-round outdoor activities. The university operates in a major metropolitan area of nearly 400,000 residents, providing internship and job opportunities across tourism, healthcare, and business sectors. Students enjoy a unique college experience combining city life with island culture. The Pacific location creates a diverse campus where 26% of students are Asian and 14% are Hispanic. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare Chaminade University of Honolulu with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-1578
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,343
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,457
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Chaminade University of Honolulu?
Chaminade University of Honolulu admits 93.41% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Marianist Catholic institution focuses on small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio rather than highly selective admissions.
How much does Chaminade University of Honolulu cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $28,061 annually after aid, with total attendance costs reaching $48,240. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $23,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246.
What are the academics like at Chaminade University of Honolulu?
The university maintains small classes with just 1,648 total students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. However, only 58% of students graduate within six years, and the retention rate sits at 74%, suggesting academic challenges for some students.
What do graduates of Chaminade University of Honolulu earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $52,343 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 84.6%. The school's Catholic mission emphasizes service-oriented careers, which often prioritize meaningful work over high salaries.
Where do students live at Chaminade University of Honolulu?
Campus housing accommodates only 296 students out of the 1,648 total enrollment, meaning most students live off-campus in Honolulu. On-campus room and board costs $16,670 annually for those who can secure a spot in the limited residence halls.
Does Chaminade University of Honolulu have strong athletics?
The Silverswords compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 201 total athletes. The university awards $1,400,802 in athletic scholarships, providing significant opportunities for student-athletes in Hawaii's only Catholic university athletic program.
