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Small Colleges in Hawaii

15 schools in Hawaii. See our methodology.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii stands apart from other small colleges in the state with its highly selective 34.2% acceptance rate and strong 54.4% graduation rate, drawing 2,812 students to its Laie campus. The state's 15 small colleges serve varied needs across the islands, from community colleges with net costs as low as $5,194 at Kapiolani to specialized institutions like Hawaii Medical College at $35,048. Hawaii's unique geography creates distinct educational niches, with community colleges on each major island preparing students for local tourism and military-related careers that dominate the state economy. University of Hawaii-West Oahu in Kapolei offers four-year degrees with a 96.4% acceptance rate, reflecting the state system's commitment to access. Graduate earnings vary significantly, from $34,453 at Hawaii Community College to $59,593 at Hawaii Pacific University, often reflecting alignment with the state's high cost of living and specialized job market. The mix of religious institutions, community colleges, and specialized schools creates pathways for students whether they plan to remain in Hawaii's tourism-dependent economy or prepare for careers that leverage the state's strategic Pacific location.
15
Schools
$14,445
Avg. Net Price
$43,689
Avg. Earnings
40.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Hawaii

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 2,812 $13,884 54.4% 34.2%
2 113 $22,668 52.4%
3 1,897 $6,399 34.8%
4 3,382 $7,636 31.6%
5 1,109 $7,533 29.4%
6 1,470 $7,369 31.6%
7 726 $5,724 29.1%
8 3,955 $5,194 20.4%
9 2,510 $10,666 46.8% 96.4%
10 1,635 $9,421 27.3%
11 2,260 $12,063 41.6% 84.2%
12 10 66.7%
13 1,648 $28,061 58.1% 93.4%
14 217 $35,048 34.8%
15 2,502 $30,557 41.2% 87.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes BYU-Hawaii different from other small colleges in the state?

BYU-Hawaii maintains the most competitive admissions with just 34.2% acceptance rate among Hawaii's small colleges, compared to others that accept 84-96% of applicants. The university enrolls 2,812 students and achieves a 54.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than most community colleges in the state that graduate 20-35% of students.

How do costs compare between Hawaii's community colleges and private institutions?

Community colleges offer the most affordable option, with net costs ranging from $5,194 at Kapiolani to $7,636 at Leeward. Private institutions cost substantially more, with Chaminade at $28,061 and Hawaii Medical College reaching $35,048, reflecting the state's high operational costs and specialized program offerings.

Where can students find four-year programs at small colleges in Hawaii?

University of Hawaii-West Oahu, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Chaminade University, and Hawaii Pacific University offer bachelor's degrees among small colleges. UH-West Oahu accepts 96.4% of applicants with 2,510 students, while UH-Hilo serves 2,260 students with an 84.2% acceptance rate.

Do Hawaii's small college graduates earn enough for the state's high living costs?

Graduate earnings range from $34,453 to $59,593, with Hawaii Pacific University graduates earning the highest at $59,593. However, Hawaii has the nation's highest cost of living, making even the higher earnings challenging for many graduates who remain in the state after graduation.

Is there a small college option on every Hawaiian island?

The University of Hawaii Community College system places campuses across the major islands, including Kauai Community College in Lihue with 726 students, Hawaii Community College in Hilo serving 1,470 students, and Maui College in Kahului with 1,635 students, ensuring local access to higher education.

Related

Small Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Hawaii Cheapest Programs in Hawaii

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.