Overview
University of Hawaii at Hilo is a accessible public four-year institution in Hilo, Hawaii. The school accepts 84.2% of applicants and enrolls 2,260 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 84.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,080
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 960–1,200
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 19
- Total Enrollment
- 2,260
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
University of Hawaii at Hilo operates on a rolling admissions basis, so you can apply throughout the year, though applying earlier gives you better access to housing and financial aid. Submit your application through the University of Hawaii system website along with official transcripts and test scores if you have them, though test scores are optional for most programs.
The nursing program requires separate application materials including prerequisite coursework in sciences and math, plus you'll need to meet specific GPA requirements for science courses. Computer science also has more competitive admission standards than the university overall. Agriculture and marine science programs may require additional coursework or experience depending on your intended concentration.
Housing fills quickly since the campus is small, so submit your housing application as soon as you're admitted. The residence halls close during winter break, so plan alternative arrangements if you're staying on island. Most students live on campus during their first year, but many upperclassmen move to off-campus housing in Hilo.
The campus sits on 115 acres with views of Mauna Kea, and you'll deal with frequent rain since Hilo receives over 120 inches annually. Bring rain gear and plan for a more relaxed pace than mainland universities. The small class sizes mean you'll get to know professors personally, but course offerings are limited compared to larger campuses. Some upper-level courses rotate every other year, so plan your schedule carefully with your advisor to ensure you can complete your degree requirements on time.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $12,063/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $7,838
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $20,798
- Students Receiving Aid
- 40%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,856/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 69.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for University of Hawaii at Hilo?
University of Hawaii at Hilo uses rolling admissions with a priority deadline of March 1 for fall semester. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does University of Hawaii at Hilo require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Hawaii at Hilo has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
Can I transfer to University of Hawaii at Hilo from a community college?
Yes, University of Hawaii at Hilo accepts transfer students from community colleges and other institutions. Students need a minimum 2.0 GPA and must submit official transcripts from all previous colleges.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Hawaii at Hilo?
University of Hawaii at Hilo requires a minimum 2.8 GPA for admission. Students with lower GPAs may still be considered through alternative admissions pathways.