Hawaii is a one of the smaller states in the U.S., but that doesn't mean it is lacking in education. In fact, it is home to a robust state university system, a healthy community college system, and several private colleges. In fact, the small size of the state has the direct result of yielding smaller colleges and universities. While you can still graduate with a top-notch education from a wide range of degree programs, your class sizes will be smaller, and your relationships with your fellow students far more intimate.
If, however, you wish to travel off the island for college, you can study at a public university for in-state tuition, thanks to the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. Thus, you can attend college in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and many other schools that are part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. The converse applies, in case you live in an applicable state and wish to study in Hawaii.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree?
The earning potential for someone with a degree in Hawaii varies based on the field of study, level of education, and the specific industry. On average, individuals with a bachelor's degree in Hawaii can expect to earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local economic reports, the median annual salary for degree holders in Hawaii is around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on their career path. Certain professions, such as healthcare, technology, and engineering, often offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. However, the cost of living in Hawaii, one of the highest in the nation, must also be considered when evaluating the financial benefits of a degree. Advanced degrees, like master's or doctoral qualifications, can further increase earning potential, with professionals in leadership, specialized, or high-demand roles earning upwards of $120,000 per year.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 5 Best Associate Degree Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii Maui College
Score: 82.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,284
- Out-of-State:$8,420
- Net Price: $9,665
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 2,472
- Undergrad Students: 2,472
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Kapi'olani Community College
Score: 76.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,284
- Out-of-State:$8,420
- Net Price: $6,886
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 5,828
- Undergrad Students: 5,828
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,800
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Leeward Community College
Score: 70.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,214
- Out-of-State:$8,350
- Net Price: $7,646
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 6,221
- Undergrad Students: 6,221
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,700
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Honolulu Community College
Score: 69.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,174
- Out-of-State:$8,310
- Net Price: $7,673
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 3,069
- Undergrad Students: 3,069
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $41,900
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Kauai Community College
Score: 69.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,252
- Out-of-State:$8,388
- Net Price: $11,212
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 1,308
- Undergrad Students: 1,308
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,400
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Top 5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Score: 84.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,186
- Out-of-State:$34,218
- Net Price: $13,639
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 19,074
- Undergrad Students: 14,198
- Graduate Students: 4,876
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Score: 80.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,438
- Out-of-State:$6,438
- Net Price: $15,835
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 2,735
- Undergrad Students: 2,735
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Score: 75.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,970
- Out-of-State:$29,970
- Net Price: $27,315
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 2,369
- Undergrad Students: 1,583
- Graduate Students: 786
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Score: 74.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,838
- Out-of-State:$20,798
- Net Price: $13,867
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,977
- Undergrad Students: 2,593
- Graduate Students: 384
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Score: 68.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,584
- Out-of-State:$20,544
- Net Price: $9,103
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 2,913
- Undergrad Students: 2,913
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Top 5 Best Master's Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Score: 90.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,186
- Out-of-State:$34,218
- Net Price: $13,639
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 19,074
- Undergrad Students: 14,198
- Graduate Students: 4,876
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Score: 78.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,838
- Out-of-State:$20,798
- Net Price: $13,867
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,977
- Undergrad Students: 2,593
- Graduate Students: 384
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Score: 75.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,970
- Out-of-State:$29,970
- Net Price: $27,315
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 2,369
- Undergrad Students: 1,583
- Graduate Students: 786
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Hawaii Pacific University
Score: 66.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,020
- Out-of-State:$33,020
- Net Price: $30,501
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 4,876
- Undergrad Students: 4,151
- Graduate Students: 725
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Phoenix-Hawaii
Score: 32.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,552
- Out-of-State:$9,552
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 25
- Undergrad Students: 24
- Graduate Students: 1
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Scholarships for Hawaii Students
UHS
University of Hawaii Scholarships
Amount: Various
Deadline: March 1
https://www.hawaii.edu/tuition/scholarships/
There are a number of scholarships available to University of Hawaii students, including campus-specific scholarships, community college scholarships, system-wide scholarships, and five scholarships for the University Hawaii at Manoa. You can apply to them all with a single online application form.
HSFS
Hawaii Softball Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 (Up to 6 Awards)
Deadline: May 4
https://www.hawaiisoftballfoundation.org/news/apply-now-2018-scholarships
If you are a high school softball player, this is the scholarship for you. The Softball Foundation awards up to six $1,000 scholarships to student-athletes, and this number may indeed rise in the future. Soon, they may be able to help a whole team pay for books and tuition.
HASSP
Horatio Alger State Scholarship Program
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: August 1, October 25
https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/
This scholarship program is intended to help students who have overcome particular difficulty and obstacles in their youth. To help them achieve success and realize their dreams, the foundation awards $10,000 annual awards to qualifying students. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled as a high school senior, display integrity and perseverance, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, and demonstrate your strong desire to achieve a bachelor's degree.
TTS
The Takitani Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 (+ an additional $3,000 Award for the top applicants)
Deadline: Various (many deadlines, check website for details)
http://takitanifoundation.org/for-students/
If you are a high school senior with plans to attend college, this is a relatively easy scholarship to apply for. You’ll need to turn an application into your college counselor and be designated as your school’s selection for the award.
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