University of Hawaii at Hilo campus

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University of Hawaii at Hilo

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Hilo, HI
  • 0 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in Hawaii
Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,668
University of Hawaii at Hilo overview
University of Hawaii at Hilo overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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.

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Ratings

UH at Hilo is rated within the top 50% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    5 out of 10
  • Resources
    9 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    4 out of 10
  • Value
    6 out of 10
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Rankings

Rankings for University of Hawaii at Hilo within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy
University of Hawaii at Hilo admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 945/1175
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 15/22
  • GPA 3.36

Acceptance Rate

60.6%
University of Hawaii at Hilo applications overview
  • Applications Due Jul 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 24.7%
  • Application Fee $50

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Annual Cost to Attend

Hawaii Resident Tuition

$7,838

Out of State Resident Tuition

$20,798

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of Hawaii at Hilo
  • Tuition $7,838
  • Books and Supplies $1,360
  • Other Fees $494
  • Room and Board $11,586
  • Budget for Other Expenses $4,984
  • Total One Year Cost $26,262
View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$38,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

36% within 6 years
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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of Hawaii at Hilo are Social Sciences, Psychology, and Biology. 15% of students major in Social Sciences, 12% in Psychology, and 10% in Biology.

  • Social Sciences 15%
  • Psychology 12%
  • Biology 10%
  • Business 9%
  • Communication 8%
View All 33 Majors

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Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=141565.

GPA calculator: University of Hawaii at Hilo GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026