University of Hawaii at Manoa: 72.8% Acceptance Rate

72.8%Acceptance

$12,186Tuition

14,306Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$57,624Earnings

#2 in HawaiiPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Hawaii at Manoa

The flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system draws 14,306 students to its Honolulu campus for strong research in oceanography, astronomy, and Pacific studies. This major research university has produced notable graduates including President Barack Obama and singer Bette Midler. The large city setting provides both urban opportunities and access to Hawaii's natural laboratories for scientific research.

Students pay an average net price of $13,181 after financial aid, making this a relatively affordable option for quality education. Graduates earn a median of $57,624 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $18,500. The monthly loan payment of $196 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Out-of-state students face higher costs at $34,218 before aid, though 24.51% of students receive Pell Grants.

The student body reflects Hawaii's diversity, with 32.63% Asian students and 20.92% White students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women outnumber men 59.53% to 40.47%. The 62.60% six-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to complete degrees, common at large public universities. With a 74.78% retention rate and 14:1 student-faculty ratio, academic support exists for those who stay committed.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the state's flagship research university, well-known for its strong programs in oceanography, astronomy, and Pacific studies. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 62.6% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused to finish. As a major research institution, undergraduates can work alongside faculty studying everything from volcanic activity to deep-sea ecosystems. The university's unique location makes it a global leader in Pacific Rim studies and marine science. Students benefit from modern research facilities, including observatories atop Mauna Kea and the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 62.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.6%
Retention Rate: 74.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,624
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$100,404
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$94,408
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$78,719
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$74,576
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$70,710
Civil Engineering.	Master	$67,101
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$65,557
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$65,486
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,600
Law.	Doctoral	$62,012

View all 220 programs →

Campus Life

Students wake up to trade winds and 80-degree weather year-round at this Honolulu campus, where sunscreen matters more than winter coats. Only 22% of the 14,306 students live in campus housing, so most experience the island lifestyle from off-campus apartments scattered across the city. The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's melting pot, with 33% Asian students and representation from across the Pacific.

Weekends blend beach time with hiking Diamond Head or exploring Waikiki, just minutes from campus. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class discussions about marine biology discoveries or Hawaiian language preservation. Campus traditions center around the Rainbow Warriors athletic teams competing in Division I sports, with 492 student-athletes representing the school. Students often gather at the Campus Center or participate in cultural events celebrating the islands' heritage. With a 75% retention rate, most students adapt well to balancing rigorous academics with the relaxed island pace, though the 63% graduation rate suggests some get too comfortable in paradise.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,091 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

101 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	19	7	1	0
Dating Violence	10	9	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	18	0	0	1
Burglary	9	0	1	0
Rape	5	5	0	0
Fondling	4	4	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	4
Domestic Violence	2	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 63°–76°F
July Avg: 69°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 359.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The flagship draws heavily from Hawaii's diverse local population, with nearly two-thirds of students coming from in-state. Asian students make up about one-third of enrollment, reflecting the state's demographics and the university's Pacific Rim focus. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely drawn to the school's strong programs in education, social work, and health sciences. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves as an accessible pathway for Hawaii's working families. The multicultural student body mirrors the islands' melting pot culture.

Men: 40.5%
Women: 59.5%
White: 20.9%
Black: 1.5%
Hispanic: 14.0%
Asian: 32.6%
In-State Students: 61.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.5%

Location

The University of Hawaii at Manoa sits in Honolulu, the state capital and largest city in Hawaii. With 14,306 students on the island of Oahu, the campus brings a unique Pacific setting to higher education. Honolulu offers the rare combination of urban amenities and tropical beaches just minutes apart. The 320-acre campus lies in the Manoa Valley, surrounded by lush mountains and close to Waikiki Beach. Students experience true island living while attending a major research university. The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's multicultural population, with 32.63% Asian students and strong Pacific Islander representation. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare University of Hawaii at Manoa with similar schools in the region.

Address: Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2217

Moore Hall, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa

Center for Korean Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa

East-West Center Japanese Garden at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $57,624
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,896
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 69.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Hawaii at Manoa?

University of Hawaii at Manoa accepts 72.77% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1180. This flagship research university draws students interested in its well-known oceanography and astronomy programs, making it moderately selective but accessible to qualified candidates.

How much does University of Hawaii at Manoa cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $13,181 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,397. Out-of-state tuition runs $34,218, but the school's strong financial aid helps keep costs manageable for its diverse student body.

What academic programs is University of Hawaii at Manoa known for?

The university excels in oceanography, astronomy, and Pacific studies as Hawaii's flagship research institution. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and 14,306 total students, it offers intimate learning opportunities within a major research environment.

What are the career outcomes for University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $57,624 ten years after graduation with a 90.9% employment rate. The 62.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees find solid career prospects.

Where do students live at University of Hawaii at Manoa?

Campus housing accommodates 3,091 students at $14,936 annually for room and board. The majority of the 14,306 students are women (59.53%) and reflect Hawaii's diverse population, with 32.63% Asian students and significant Pacific Islander representation.

Does University of Hawaii at Manoa compete in Division I athletics?

The Rainbow Warriors compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big West Conference with 19 varsity sports. The athletic program awards over $10 million in scholarships to 492 student-athletes, emphasizing both academic and athletic excellence in paradise.