About University of Hawaii-West Oahu
This newer campus emphasizes applied learning and incorporates Native Hawaiian values into its educational approach. With 2,510 students in a suburban Kapolei setting, the university serves as West Oahu's primary four-year public option. The school accepts 96% of applicants, making it accessible to students across the achievement spectrum. Students here engage with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom theory to real-world applications.
The financial picture looks reasonable for Hawaiian families. In-state students pay $7,584 in tuition, while the average net price drops to $10,666 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $52,075 ten years after enrollment, well above the median debt load of $14,500. Monthly loan payments average just $154, making this degree financially manageable for most graduates. Only 30% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-class backgrounds.
The student body reflects Hawaii's diversity, with 35% Asian students and 15% Hispanic students in a majority-female environment where women make up 65% of enrollment. Nearly 97% of students are Hawaii residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 69% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college, but the 90% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for graduates.
The financial picture looks reasonable for Hawaiian families. In-state students pay $7,584 in tuition, while the average net price drops to $10,666 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $52,075 ten years after enrollment, well above the median debt load of $14,500. Monthly loan payments average just $154, making this degree financially manageable for most graduates. Only 30% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-class backgrounds.
The student body reflects Hawaii's diversity, with 35% Asian students and 15% Hispanic students in a majority-female environment where women make up 65% of enrollment. Nearly 97% of students are Hawaii residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 69% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college, but the 90% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for graduates.
Academics & Faculty
This public university operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that provides decent access to professors for its 2,510 students. The school emphasizes applied learning and integrates Native Hawaiian values into its curriculum, reflecting its mission to serve the diverse West Oahu community. However, the 46.8% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university focuses on practical programs that prepare students for local workforce needs. With 96.6% of students coming from in-state, the academic environment caters specifically to Hawaii residents seeking affordable higher education close to home. The school's applied learning approach connects classroom theory with real-world experience in Hawaiian communities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.8%
- Retention Rate
- 69.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,075
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $45,636 |
| Homeland Security. | Certificate | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,980 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $35,995 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Pack sunscreen, not winter coats - Kapolei sits on Oahu's sunny west side about 20 miles from downtown Honolulu. The campus serves a commuter population where 96.55% of students are Hawaii residents who typically live at home rather than in dorms. With 65.02% women and a diverse student body that's 35.22% Asian and reflects Hawaii's multicultural mix, the atmosphere blends mainland college academics with island values.
Students often head to nearby beaches on weekends or make the drive to Honolulu for nightlife and shopping. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in this close-knit community of 2,510 students. Many students work part-time jobs to support themselves, contributing to the 68.98% retention rate as some take longer to complete degrees while balancing work and family obligations. The campus emphasizes Native Hawaiian values and applied learning, creating an environment where traditional island respect and modern education intersect in West Oahu's growing suburban landscape.
Students often head to nearby beaches on weekends or make the drive to Honolulu for nightlife and shopping. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in this close-knit community of 2,510 students. Many students work part-time jobs to support themselves, contributing to the 68.98% retention rate as some take longer to complete degrees while balancing work and family obligations. The campus emphasizes Native Hawaiian values and applied learning, creating an environment where traditional island respect and modern education intersect in West Oahu's growing suburban landscape.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 64°–81°F
- July Avg
- 72°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The University of Hawaii-West Oahu draws nearly all its 2,510 students from within Hawaii, reflecting its mission to serve the local community. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, typical for universities with strong education and social work programs. The campus reflects Hawaii's diversity, with Asian students comprising over one-third of enrollment and Hispanic students making up another 15 percent. Nearly 30 percent receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making higher education accessible to working families across West Oahu's growing suburban communities.
- Men
- 35.0%
- Women
- 65.0%
- White
- 8.0%
- Black
- 1.9%
- Hispanic
- 15.3%
- Asian
- 35.2%
- In-State Students
- 96.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.7%
Location
The University of Hawaii-West Oahu sits in Kapolei, Hawaii, about 20 miles west of downtown Honolulu. This rapidly growing suburb serves as the second city of Oahu, offering a more affordable alternative to Honolulu's urban core. With 96.55% of students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from the local community. The setting combines suburban development with Hawaii's natural beauty, featuring nearby beaches and the dramatic Waianae mountain range. Kapolei has emerged as a planned community with shopping centers, business districts, and family-friendly neighborhoods. The area maintains strong connections to Native Hawaiian culture while embracing modern growth. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare University of Hawaii-West Oahu with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Kapolei, Hawaii 96707-4507
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,075
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,678
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $154/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Hawaii-West Oahu?
The acceptance rate is 96.37%, making this one of the most accessible four-year universities in Hawaii. The school focuses on serving West Oahu's diverse community with an emphasis on applied learning and Native Hawaiian values.
How much does University of Hawaii-West Oahu cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,666 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,030. In-state tuition starts at $7,584, making it an affordable option for local students seeking a bachelor's degree.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Hawaii-West Oahu?
The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 among the 2,510 enrolled students. This relatively small size allows for more personalized attention in a suburban Kapolei setting that emphasizes hands-on, applied learning approaches.
What are the graduation rates at University of Hawaii-West Oahu?
The four-year graduation rate is 39.81%, while the six-year rate reaches 46.80%. Graduates earn a median of $52,075 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation.
Where is University of Hawaii-West Oahu located and what is the campus like?
The campus sits in Kapolei, a large suburban area in West Oahu that serves as a growing population center. With 96.55% in-state students and a strong Native Hawaiian cultural foundation, the university maintains deep community roots.
What makes University of Hawaii-West Oahu unique in terms of student diversity?
Asian students comprise 35.22% of enrollment while Hispanic students make up 15.26%, creating remarkable ethnic diversity. Women represent 65.02% of students, and the school's commitment to Native Hawaiian values shapes its distinctive educational approach.
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