About Hawaii Pacific University
Students face significant costs, with total attendance reaching $50,112 annually. The average net price of $30,557 reflects modest financial aid availability, as only 31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $18,788. Graduates earn a median of $59,593 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the investment despite typical debt loads of $22,000. The 90% employment rate shows strong job placement success.
Women make up 65% of the student body, and nearly three-quarters of students come from outside Hawaii, contributing to the campus's international flavor. The 41% six-year graduation rate falls below national averages, partly reflecting the challenges many students face balancing island life with academic demands. NCAA Division II athletics offer 15 varsity sports, though the athletic program remains relatively small with just 150 total athletes.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.2%
- Retention Rate
- 57.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,593
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,683 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,649 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,017 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,988 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Weekends often mean hitting nearby beaches or exploring Waikiki, just minutes away. The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's melting pot, with 29% white, 23% Hispanic, and 16% Asian students creating a multicultural campus vibe. Only 28% of students are Hawaii residents, so you'll meet classmates from across the mainland and Pacific Rim countries. The marine science program takes advantage of the ocean literally at your doorstep. With 150 student-athletes competing in 15 Division II sports, games provide campus gathering points. Students frequently balance part-time work with studies, contributing to the 90% employment rate that reflects Hawaii's tourist-driven economy.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 712 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 63°–76°F
- July Avg
- 69°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 310.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.4%
- Women
- 64.6%
- White
- 29.2%
- Black
- 6.1%
- Hispanic
- 22.5%
- Asian
- 16.2%
- In-State Students
- 27.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.0%
Location
- Address
- Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,593
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,242
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $233/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Hawaii Pacific University?
Hawaii Pacific University accepts 87.10% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1150, reflecting its commitment to providing opportunities for diverse academic backgrounds in its downtown Honolulu location.
How much does Hawaii Pacific University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $30,557 annually at Hawaii Pacific University. With total costs reaching $50,112 including room and board, the school's location in expensive Honolulu makes it a significant investment despite institutional grants averaging $18,788.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Hawaii Pacific University?
Hawaii Pacific University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,502 total students enrolled. The small private university is particularly known for its marine science and business programs, benefiting from intimate class sizes in a diverse international academic environment.
What are the graduation outcomes at Hawaii Pacific University?
Only 41.20% of students graduate within six years at Hawaii Pacific University, with a concerning 57.24% retention rate. However, graduates earn a median salary of $59,593 ten years after graduation, and 90% find employment, suggesting strong career prospects for those who complete their degrees.
Where do students live at Hawaii Pacific University?
Hawaii Pacific University houses 712 students on campus in downtown Honolulu, serving its enrollment of 2,502. The urban setting provides students access to internships and cultural opportunities in Hawaii's largest city, though only about 28% of students come from in-state.
How diverse is the student body at Hawaii Pacific University?
Hawaii Pacific University enrolls a remarkably diverse student population with 29.18% White, 22.54% Hispanic, 16.15% Asian, and 6.08% Black students. The university attracts a strong international presence with over 70% of students coming from out-of-state, creating a truly multicultural learning environment in the Pacific.
