University of Hawaii at Hilo
About University of Hawaii at Hilo
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
University of Hawaii at Hilo is a public university in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. It offers unique programs in pharmacy, astronomy, marine science, and Hawaiian studies, with a campus surrounded by rainforest near active volcanoes.
Founded
1947
Location
Hilo, Hawaii
Students
2,536
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
48.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,838
Out-of-state: $20,798
Avg Net Price
$11,856
After financial aid
SAT Average
1028
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,856
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60.6 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
University of Hawaii at Hilo accepts 60.6% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1028/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.8%
4-Year Grad
27%
6-Year Grad
43%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
76.4%
$/Student
$23.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 27% graduation rate is below average, but 72.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,838
In-State
$20,798
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,586
Books & Supplies
$1,360
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,173
After Financial Aid
$11,856
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,983
Receive Grants
40.4%
Take Loans
30%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,173/yr for in-state students, including $11,586 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,856. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,798.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Hawaii at Hilo fund their education.
While in School
40.4%
Get Grants
Free money
30%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,504
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 30% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Gender
62.6%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,160
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
376
Graduates
36.6%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
19.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 36.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
2,160
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Hawaii at Hilo fields 8 varsity teams with 237 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Pacific West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
237
11% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
52% / 48%
123
Men
114
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Hawaii at Hiloearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,856
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$27K
67 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$37K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
$40K
46 grads
4yr Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
$64K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$25K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$84K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Hawaii at Hilo
What is the acceptance rate at University of Hawaii at Hilo?▾
How much does University of Hawaii at Hilo cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Hawaii at Hilo?▾
How much do University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.