About University of Hawaii at Hilo
This small public liberal arts university specializes in marine science and Hawaiian studies programs that take advantage of its unique Big Island location. With just 2,260 students, UH Hilo offers an intimate college experience where students can study everything from tropical agriculture to astronomy. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names. The campus sits in Hilo town, giving students access to both academic resources and the natural laboratory of Hawaii's diverse ecosystems.
Most students pay far less than the sticker price thanks to Hawaii's relatively affordable in-state tuition. The average net price is $12,063, making this one of the more accessible four-year options in Hawaii. Graduates earn a median of $47,856 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,500. That's a reasonable return on investment, especially considering the unique educational opportunities and island lifestyle.
The student body is diverse, with only 20% white students and strong representation from Asian, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian communities. About 70% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit island community feel. However, the 42% four-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to finish, possibly due to the relaxed island pace or financial pressures requiring part-time enrollment.
Most students pay far less than the sticker price thanks to Hawaii's relatively affordable in-state tuition. The average net price is $12,063, making this one of the more accessible four-year options in Hawaii. Graduates earn a median of $47,856 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,500. That's a reasonable return on investment, especially considering the unique educational opportunities and island lifestyle.
The student body is diverse, with only 20% white students and strong representation from Asian, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian communities. About 70% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit island community feel. However, the 42% four-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to finish, possibly due to the relaxed island pace or financial pressures requiring part-time enrollment.
Academics & Faculty
Hawaii at Hilo operates as a public liberal arts university with distinctive strengths in marine science and Hawaiian studies. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in this intimate academic environment of just 2,260 students. However, the 42% four-year graduation rate reflects real challenges many students face completing their degrees on schedule. The university leverages its Big Island location for hands-on learning in oceanography, astronomy, and Pacific Islander culture studies. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty access, but the remote setting and limited resources can extend time to graduation. The school attracts students seeking specialized Pacific-focused programs in a tight-knit academic community.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 73.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.6%
- Retention Rate
- 69.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,856
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,357 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,856 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $42,682 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $38,289 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
Campus Life
Students wake up to tropical temperatures year-round, with daily highs around 80°F and frequent afternoon rain showers. The campus sits 200 miles from Honolulu on the Big Island's eastern coast, making it one of America's most isolated universities. Only 33% of students live in the dorms, so most find off-campus housing in Hilo town or commute from nearby areas.
Weekend adventures center on the island's natural attractions rather than typical college party scenes. Students head to nearby Akaka Falls, surf at Richardson Beach Park, or explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park just 45 minutes away. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit academic communities, especially in the well-known marine science program where students conduct research in Pacific waters. With 2,260 total students, everyone recognizes familiar faces across the compact campus. The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's multicultural population, with only 20% identifying as white. Campus life moves at "island time," emphasizing outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship over traditional college athletics, though the Vulcans compete in 12 Division II sports.
Weekend adventures center on the island's natural attractions rather than typical college party scenes. Students head to nearby Akaka Falls, surf at Richardson Beach Park, or explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park just 45 minutes away. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit academic communities, especially in the well-known marine science program where students conduct research in Pacific waters. With 2,260 total students, everyone recognizes familiar faces across the compact campus. The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's multicultural population, with only 20% identifying as white. Campus life moves at "island time," emphasizing outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship over traditional college athletics, though the Vulcans compete in 12 Division II sports.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 744 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 61°–74°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 346.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The University of Hawaii at Hilo draws mostly local students who stay close to home for college. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting strong programs in marine science, education, and health fields that traditionally attract female students. The student body is diverse, with Native Hawaiian, Asian, and mainland transplant families well represented. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, making UH Hilo an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class island families. The small enrollment of 2,260 creates tight-knit communities where students from different backgrounds study together in an intimate setting.
- Men
- 37.2%
- Women
- 62.8%
- White
- 20.1%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 16.6%
- Asian
- 13.3%
- In-State Students
- 69.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.5%
Location
UH Hilo sits in the town of Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island, about 200 miles southeast of Honolulu. The campus serves 2,260 students in a remote setting surrounded by tropical rainforests and active volcanoes. Hilo receives over 130 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush landscapes that make it distinct from Hawaii's dry, tourist-heavy areas. The town embraces its role as a gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea Observatory. Students experience authentic Hawaiian culture rather than resort tourism. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate, close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Hawaiian towns. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare University of Hawaii at Hilo with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4091
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,856
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,548
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Hawaii at Hilo?
The acceptance rate is 84.24%, making it relatively accessible for most students. This public liberal arts university on the Big Island tends to focus on well-rounded admissions rather than purely test scores, with an average SAT of 1080.
How much does University of Hawaii at Hilo cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,063, though costs vary by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,081 on average, while those from higher-income families can expect to pay up to $19,851.
What is University of Hawaii at Hilo known for academically?
The university is well-known for its marine science programs and Hawaiian studies offerings. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and only 2,260 students, it provides intimate access to Big Island research opportunities and indigenous Pacific knowledge.
How do University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates perform in the job market?
Graduates earn a median salary of $47,856 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 87.8%. The four-year graduation rate stands at 42.02%, reflecting the challenges many students face in this remote setting.
Where do University of Hawaii at Hilo students live?
The campus housing accommodates 744 students in a town-remote setting on the Big Island. About 70% of students are Hawaii residents, creating a strong local community feel in this smaller university environment.
Does University of Hawaii at Hilo offer athletic scholarships?
The university awards $1,597,723 in athletic scholarships across 12 NCAA Division II sports with 238 total athletes. As a member of the Pacific West Conference, student-athletes compete while enjoying unique training conditions in Hawaii's tropical climate.
Similar Schools
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Kapolei, Hawaii
SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill
Cobleskill, New York
SUNY at Fredonia
Fredonia, New York
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Oregon
Indiana University-Southeast
New Albany, Indiana