Best Colleges in Hawaii

Founded in 1976, UH West O'ahu operates as one of 10 University of Hawai'i campuses. The school offers numerous four-year degree programs and provides a comprehensive education, emphasizing baccalaureate degrees based in the liberal arts tradition. Students can also select from career-focused fields, as well as majors that meet with Hawaii's regional needs.

The university oversees eight major colleges, focusing on areas like education, the social sciences, and creative media. More than 3,000 undergraduate students enroll each year in the university's degree programs, while also joining campus clubs and making friends.

Prospective first-year students must show a 2.7 minimum cumulative GPA and pay a nonrefundable application fee. UH West O'ahu welcomes transfer students and military students. The school also offers flexible online learning options, as well as certificates.

A research university based in Honolulu and founded in 1907, UH Mānoa provides students with many academic opportunities at its flagship campus. The university offers a variety of learning experiences and holds recognition as a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution. UH Mānoa operates as an R1 research university, and leads the way in many issues related to the environment, climate change, and sustainability.

The school welcomes first-year students, transfer students, and international applicants. High school applicants must hold a minimum high school GPA that is considered "competitive" for their specific program, submit official transcripts, and provide ACT or SAT test scores. A nonrefundable application fee is also required.

Chaminade — Hawaii's only Catholic university and one of only three Marianist universities in the United States — offers a private, four-year education to its students. The school embraces reason and faith as being integral to the pursuit of truth.

Learning from a faculty that emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and creative problem-solving, students investigate areas like the fine arts, behavioral sciences, business and communication, nursing, mathematics, and the humanities.

Founded in 1955, Chaminade complements its academic programs with many student activities. Enrollees may become involved in athletics, residence life, or join one of the many student clubs and organizations through the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

Chaminade's admissions team reviews applications holistically. Aspiring undergraduates should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, but they no longer need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants should also send in a statement describing their interest and passion in their intended area of study.

UH Hilo became a four-year academic university in 1969. The school is known for its student-focused approach, boasting a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a student body of about 3,400 learners.

The university provides a quality education in a beautiful setting, and the campus offers many athletics, arts, and cultural events that encourage students to expand their knowledge outside the classroom. Students can pursue coursework from the certificate to doctoral level, choosing from nearly 90 different areas of study.

Admission requirements for undergraduates include a minimum 3.0 GPA. ACT and SAT scores are not required if these GPA requirements are met, but UH Hilo still suggests that applicants submit their scores for advising and placement purposes.