Cheapest Colleges in Hawaii
To students seeking to study in Hawaii, we’ve made this article for you. Hawaii is a popular vacation spot due to its alluring climate, attractive culture, and beautiful beaches.
Schooling may be quite expensive but there are many ways a student can minimize cost, most especially through scholarships. But here in this post, we have come up with a list of the cheapest colleges in Hawaii, that they are cheap doesn’t mean they are of a lower standard to others. Here they are:
Hawaii is a popular vacation spot for students headed to college because of its wonderful climate, fascinating culture, and beautiful beaches. The cost of getting a degree in paradise may seem high, but by picking the proper university and using a clever money-saving method, you may reduce it. Check out these cheapest colleges in hawaii if you want to study in an environment that still allows you to enjoy island life.
Cheapest Colleges in Hawaii
1. Brigham Young University
In-state and out-of-state tuition is respectively $13,924 and $13,924.
- Location: Laie, Hawaii
- Acceptance rate of 88%
- Enrollment in undergrad: 3,700

Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Brigham Young University-Hawaii is one of the cheapest colleges in Hawaii. The school combines academics, Professional training, with spiritual and secular Development. LDS students pay much less than non-LDS students for attending BYU-Hawaii, with costs varying according to church membership. The website Niche ranks BYU-Hawaii as the 76th most conservative college in the nation (out of 1,607 institutions). BYU-Hawaii is included on Campus Pride’s Worst List, which compiles a list of the colleges in the US where LGBTQ students can feel the least safe.
2. University of Hawaii, Hilo
- In-state/out-of-state tuition: $16,086/$29,046.
- Location: Hilo, Hawaii
- Ratio of Acceptance: 92%
- Enrollment in undergrad: 3,100
One of the three campuses of the University of Hawaii System is the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) (the system also includes seven community colleges). On the island of Hawaii, UH Hilo is around 200 air miles from Honolulu. The island of Hawaii is home to ten of the world’s fourteen climate zones, placing UH Hilo in the middle of a living laboratory and making it the ideal location for the study of volcanoes, astronomy, agriculture, marine science, and other natural sciences. UH, Hilo has a reputation for having a very ethnically varied student body in part due to the fact that it draws students from all around, including the mainland, the islands, and abroad.
3. Pacific Rim Christian University
- In-state vs. out-of-state tuition: $20,600/$20,600.
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Acceptance Rate: 60 %
- 200 undergraduates are enrolled.
Students seeking to become leaders in Christain offices can receive a Christ-centered education at Pacific Rim Christain university. The University offers six bachelor’s degrees in person, which are:
- Theology
- Religious Studies
- Scripture and the Arts
- Christian ministry and the Bible
- Bible study and pastoral work
- Christian counseling and the Bible
The university became fully operational in 1946 through the initiatives of the laymen of the Evangelical Association of the Philippines and is one of the Cheapest collleges in Hawaii
4. University of Hawaii at Manoa
- In-state vs. out-of-state tuition: $25,828/$47,860.
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
- 70% acceptance rate
- Enrollment in undergrad: 15,500
The flagship campus of the University of Hawaii System is the University of Hawaii at Manoa. One of the about 140 R1 institutions (the highest categorization for research) in the country is UH Manoa. In fact, UH Manoa has Coconut Island for use as a study island. The University of Hawaii at Manoa has made a substantial contribution to government: 44% of Hawaii’s state senators and 51% of its state representatives are alumni. Another campus in the University of Hawaii system, UH Manoa, is renowned for offering classes with a variety of ethical perspectives.
5. Chaminade University, Honolulu
- In-state versus out-of-state tuition: $41,964 for both.
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
- 90% acceptance rate
- 1,800 undergraduate students
One of just three Marianist universities in the United States is Chaminade University in Honolulu. Marianists are a subset of Catholics who support training the heart and head to produce knowledge that endures and connections that are motivating and helpful. Chaminade University has made a lot of sacrifices to rank among Hawaii’s least expensive universities. For instance, graduates of local high schools can enroll in the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the resident tuition rate. In addition, 97% of Chaminade University’s undergraduate students get financial aid. Native Hawaiians are served at Chaminade University.
6. Hawaii Pacific University
- In-state versus out-of-state tuition: 46,064 dollars.
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Ratio of Acceptance: 85%
- 4,600 Undergraduate students

Since its inaugural graduating class of seven students in 1972, Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) has expanded significantly. Attracting students from all 50 states and more than 65 countries, HPU is now the largest private university in the state, housing more than 4,000 undergraduates. Through its five colleges, HPU provides more than 30 programs to undergraduate students:
- The College of Natural and Computational Sciences
- College of Professional Studies
- School of Nursing
- The College of Health and Safety
- The College of Liberal Arts
HPU has a suburban campus in the foothills of O’ahu’s Ko’olau highlands, as well as an aquaculture research center on the ocean, in addition to its main campus in downtown Honolulu.
How to save Money in College
Here’s some of the ways you can manage money in college:
Take advantage of discount available to students
There are many discounts available to college students. Discounts is a great way to minimize cost in colleges and also get the same value for just a token.
Graduate On Schedule
One of the best ways for college students to reduce their tuition costs is to graduate on time. A little over a quarter of students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree (23.5%) spend longer than four years to complete their coursework and pay additional costs.
Find a Part-time Job
Working while in college is a great way to save money, it not only gives you little money but also impacts you with invaluable life skills – such as problem solving and business communication.
Look for Financial Aid
Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of attending college. Smaller regional and specialized awards frequently have less competition and offer better chances of winning, despite the fact that well-known scholarships garner a lot of attention. Additionally, look to the schools themselves for financial aid; colleges and universities contribute $175 billion in scholarships each year, compared to just $11 billion from outside sources.
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Apply for Scholarships and Grants
This is another effective means of minimizing costs while in college, and another added incentive with this method is that you can apply for scholarship and grants every year throughout college
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii a suitable place to study?
Hawaii is a popular tourist destination thanks to its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and distinctive natural landscapes. It’s also a great place to spend your college years.
What are the requirements to get into University of Hawaii?
Is it possible for anyone to move to Hawaii?
You must be physically present in the state and show during the relevant calendar year that you intended to make Hawai’i your permanent residence in order to qualify as a genuinely bonafide resident.