University of Hawaii at Hilo

The university emphasizes its "commitment to academic excellence" through 33 bachelor's programs and several graduate degrees, with particular strength in Hawaiian culture-infused curricula. Popular majors cluster in health professions (especially nursing) and business, while unique offerings include Aeronautical Sciences and Agriculture with specializations like Animal Health and Management. The College of Arts and Sciences—the largest academic unit—provides intimate class sizes, with students frequently praising faculty accessibility. A 2021 university address highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate Hawaiian values across disciplines, from traditional sciences to support programs.

Life here moves at island time—only 33% of students live on campus (about 600 residents), with most opting for off-campus housing in Hilo's affordable rentals. The Student Life Center serves as a hub with gym facilities, equipment rentals (available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), and locker rentals. Campus culture leans quiet and community-oriented, with niche interests served through clubs rather than Greek life. Instagram posts from @uhhilocampusrec showcase paddleboarding and hiking trips, embodying the school's "work hard, play hard" balance between academics and outdoor adventure.

Graduation rates tell a story of challenges and opportunity: just 44% of students earn degrees within six years (below the national average for public universities), with women (51%) outperforming men (44%). However, 70% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting strong initial satisfaction. Alumni earn median salaries of $36,427 one year post-graduation—comparable to many mainland schools when adjusted for Hawaii's high cost of living. The university has room to improve retention pipelines, particularly for male students and those in STEM fields.

With an average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $13,867 after aid (66.7% of students receive assistance), UH Hilo positions itself as an affordable option—at least by Hawaiian standards. The financial aid office emphasizes grants and scholarships over loans, offering tools like a Net Price Calculator to estimate costs. However, these figures don't account for Hawaii's 30% higher consumer prices than the national average, which hits students in hidden costs like groceries and gas. Work-study opportunities help bridge gaps, with many students finding jobs in campus recreation or local tourism businesses.

This is where you come to study lava flows between beach sessions—the only U.S. university where geology classes might involve dodging actual volcanic eruptions. The Hawaiian-focused curricula (like indigenous language programs) and proximity to Mauna Kea's observatories create research opportunities impossible to replicate elsewhere. While graduation rates lag, students who thrive here often cite the fusion of rigorous science and Hawaiian cultural values as transformative. It's the antithesis of a pressure-cooker campus: success here requires self-direction amid distractions ranging from perfect surf breaks to the siren call of island time.