Laie, HIprivate nonprofitwww.byuh.edu/
Brigham Young University-Hawaii is a unique Latter-day Saint institution where the Pacific meets academia, blending rigorous religious values with a strikingly international student body. With its palm-lined campus in Laie and a focus on intercultural learning, BYU-Hawaii offers a tight-knit, globally-minded education—though its strict honor code and modest post-grad earnings reflect its niche appeal.
BYU-Hawaii's admissions process reflects its dual identity as a moderately selective university and a faith-based institution. Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. vary widely by source—from 34% (College Board) to 97% (AcceptanceRate.com)—but most peg it between 37-47%. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have GPAs around 3.45 (PrepScholar) and ACT scores between 21-25 (US News). Notably, over 60 countries are represented in the 2,900-3,000 student body (BYU-H Facts), creating one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the US. The university emphasizes ecclesiastical endorsements (required for all students) as heavily as academic metrics.
The academic experience at BYU-Hawaii leans heavily into undergraduate teaching, with professors who "are here making less money than they could at other places" according to Quora respondents. The university offers majors across four divisions:
Niche gives academics an A-, praising the student-focused environment though noting limited research opportunities. Popular majors include Business Management and Hospitality & Tourism (US News), capitalizing on Hawaii's location. Classes are small—most have fewer than 20 students—and the curriculum integrates LDS values throughout.
Life at BYU-Hawaii revolves around its honor code (no alcohol, caffeine, or premarital sex) and an unusually vibrant international culture. The campus hosts:
Niche describes the atmosphere as "close-knit and supportive" but notes the party scene earns a C-. With 60+ nationalities on campus, students often bond over shared faith rather than shared backgrounds—though the North Shore location means surfboards are as common as textbooks.
BYU-Hawaii graduates earn modest salaries—$36,100 after 7 years (CollegeSimply)—but the university emphasizes global impact over pure earnings. Key data points:
Career Services highlights placements in education, hospitality, and nonprofit work, with particular strength in Pacific Rim communities. The ROI is more about cultural capital than financial windfalls.
At $17,887 Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. (after average aid of $13,884), BYU-Hawaii is relatively affordable for a private university—though still pricey compared to mainland LDS schools. Breakdown:
The Net Price Calculator shows significant variability based on ecclesiastical status and nationality, with LDS members often receiving additional subsidies.
BYU-Hawaii is singular for merging three uncommon traits: an LDS mission-driven ethos, a genuinely global student body (60+ countries), and a campus where you can attend scripture study in the morning and surf at sunset. The academics won't rival research universities, but the intercultural fluency gained here is unparalleled—especially for students eyeing careers in the Pacific Rim. Just don't expect frat parties or coffee shops; the vibe is more 'family home evening' than 'college town.'