Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Hilo, Hawaii |
| Online | hawaii.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) is located on Hawaii's Big Island in the city of Hilo, situated on the eastern coast approximately 45 minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The 115-acre main campus features a mix of modern and traditional Hawaiian-style architecture, with buildings designed to maximize natural ventilation in the tropical climate. Established in 1947 as a branch of the University of Hawaii system, UH Hilo has developed significant programs in marine science, astronomy, Hawaiian language, and tropical agriculture, leveraging its unique geographical location. The university maintains several astronomical research facilities, including partnerships with observatories on Mauna Kea, and operates an experimental farm for agricultural studies. Most first-year students reside in one of the three on-campus residence halls, and the university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Vulcans.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UH at Hilo is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Hawaii at Hilo within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#642 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#210 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in Hawaii
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Hawaii
#4 in Best Value Colleges in Hawaii
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 960/1200 |
| ACT | 16/21 |
| GPA | 3.36 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jul 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Hawaii Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| Other Fees | $494 |
| Room and Board | $8,248 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,904 |
| Total One Year Cost | $21,340 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| Other Fees | $494 |
| Room and Board | $8,248 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,904 |
| Total One Year Cost | $34,300 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Psychology | 12% |
| Biology | 10% |
| Business | 9% |
| Communication | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UH at Hilo are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=141565 IPEDS survey data for University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Current students may use the University of Hawaii at Hilo GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024