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Key Takeaways
- Online schools in Hawai‘i offer degrees in competitive fields such as business administration, engineering, healthcare, education and computer science.
- The cost of online colleges in Hawai‘i varies by institution and program type. Private universities typically charge a higher tuition rate.
- Online colleges in Hawai‘i offer accessible and flexible higher education options for residents and non-residents alike.
As the world gravitates toward more flexible and accessible modes of learning, Hawai‘i has embraced the wave of online education. Distance learning occupies a curious space in The Aloha State, blending academic tradition with Hawai‘i’s rich cultural perspectives and values. Learners can pursue sought-after undergraduate and graduate degrees in in-demand fields, including healthcare, business and computer science.
This article overviews the two online schools in Hawai‘i that meet our ranking criteria. We discuss program offerings, focusing on bachelor’s degree programs, delivery formats, cost and admission requirements, among other essential factors.
Online Schools in Hawai‘i Options
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Hawai‘i Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
From its campus in the charming neighborhood of Kaimukī, Chaminade University of Honolulu currently offers 11 online bachelor’s degree programs.
Business administration, community and public health, early education with a Montessori credential, criminology and criminal justice, and psychology are a few examples of its available online programs. Many programs provide practical experience opportunities through capstone courses, field experience or field projects.
Courses are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format and begin on the first of every month. Chaminade offers two study tracks: 10-week flex accelerated courses or the flex standard track, which allows you to complete courses in four months.
At a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $50
- Example Online Programs: Business administration, early childhood education
- Example Scholarships Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, some programs require fieldwork, field projects and other practical components
Hawai‘i Pacific University
Hawai‘i Pacific University, based in downtown Honolulu, offers a handful of online degree programs in business administration, computer science, diplomacy and military studies, psychology and criminal justice, among other areas. These programs are delivered across multiple modalities, including online, virtual and hybrid formats.
In fully online programs, coursework is delivered through Blackboard asynchronously while creating opportunities for interaction with peers and instructors.
At a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $45
- Example Online Programs: Computer science, public administration, human resource development
- Example Scholarships Available: Merit scholarship, transfer merit scholarship
- In-Person Requirements: No
How To Find the Right Online School in Hawai‘i for You
Pro Tip
To ensure a program supports your career goals, thoroughly review the curriculum, including specialized coursework, practical learning components and concentration offerings.
Consider Your Future Goals
Outlining your long-term goals can help you find a program aligned with your desired profession and maximize the benefits of online education. If you have a specific major in mind, look into whether a school offers it.
Research job- and industry-specific requirements to ensure your online program offers the necessary training and coursework. Some professions require certification or licensure that is obtainable by completing specific degree programs and coursework. Students planning on entering the workforce upon graduation might prioritize programs that offer hands-on learning opportunities through internships, fieldwork or practicums.
If you plan on attending graduate school, seek programs that meet the prerequisites for your advanced studies.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The cost of enrolling in an online school in Hawai‘i varies based on in-state versus out-of-state tuition and whether a school is public or private. In the 2022–2023 academic year, the average tuition and fees for undergraduate students at four-year colleges was $17,709, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. Comparatively, the average in-state tuition at the schools featured in this article is around $30,242.
As private institutions, Hawai‘i Pacific University and Chaminade University of Honolulu charge higher tuition rates; however, they offer various funding opportunities through scholarships, financial aid and military discounts. The University of Hawai‘i (UH) System, the state’s public higher education system, encompasses several campuses that offer online courses and limited degree and certificate programs at competitive rates.
Submitting the FAFSA® is a great first step toward determining your eligibility for financial aid, which includes grants, loans and work-study programs. Additional financing options are available for online learners, including the following:
- Institutional aid, such as scholarships, grants and work-study programs
- State grants
- Veteran and military aid, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and tuition assistance programs
What To Expect From an Online Degree in Hawai‘i
Online programs in Hawai‘i offer an accessible higher education option for both in-state and out-of-state residents. They’re delivered in flexible formats, including asynchronous (self-paced), synchronous (live, scheduled sessions) and hybrid options.
Most online undergraduate programs require students to complete a minimum of 120 credits. Many curriculums include experiential learning opportunities through internships, practicums and capstone projects.
Admission Requirements
Specific admission requirements vary between institutions and programs. Along with submitting an application and paying the application fee, standard admission criteria for online colleges in Hawai‘i include the following:
- Transcripts from high school and previously attended post-secondary institutions
- Minimum cumulative GPA requirement
- Official SAT and/or ACT scores
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose primary language isn’t English
- Personal statement or admission essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Résumé or CV
Some programs, especially in fields such as nursing or engineering, may have specific course prerequisites. Researching the specific admission requirements for every school and program you’re interested in is vital.
Common Online Degrees
Online schools in Hawai‘i offer a variety of career-focused programs in competitive areas including business administration, healthcare, education, computer science and general studies.
Common online degree programs include:
- Business administration
- Criminal justice
- Early childhood education
- Human resource development
- Interdisciplinary studies
- Psychology
- Public administration
- Public health
- Secondary education
Program offerings vary by school; therefore, it’s important to research each school’s program selection, including its core coursework, electives and any available concentrations or specializations, to ensure they align with your academic interests and career goals.
Should You Enroll in an Online Degree in Hawai‘i?
Pro Tip
If you live outside of Hawai‘i, consider the time zone difference and be prepared to make scheduling adjustments. Look for programs that offer maximum flexibility, such as those delivered asynchronously.
Accreditation for Online College in Hawai‘i
Accreditation is a rigorous peer-review process that ensures colleges and universities meet established quality standards. Attending an accredited institution ensures you’re eligible to receive federal financial aid and facilitates seamless credit transfer between schools.
The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee higher education accreditation in the United States. These organizations maintain databases of accrediting agencies and accredited institutions and programs nationwide.
Institutional vs. Programmatic Accreditation
Higher education accreditation exists at two primary levels: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is awarded to colleges and universities as a whole, assessing their curriculums, faculty qualifications, student outcomes and resource management, among other critical factors.
Programmatic accreditation is granted to specific professional or specialized programs and departments within accredited institutions. This level of accreditation is crucial in fields such as nursing, counseling, business, engineering and education. It ensures program curriculums meet industry standards and prepares students for careers in their fields.
Our Methodology
We scored two accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online degree programs in Hawai‘i using 17 data points in the categories of student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.
We scored schools based on the following metrics.
Student Outcomes:
- Graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Median earnings 10 years after graduation
- Pell Grant recipient graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Retention rate
- Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate
Affordability:
- Average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
- Median federal student loan debt
- Student loan default rate
- Percentage of students who take out loans
Student Experience:
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Socioeconomic diversity
- Program’s coursework (excluding student orientations, field experiences and labs) is available 100% online
- Proportion of undergraduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning courses
Credibility:
- Fully accredited
- Nonprofit status
Application Process:
- Acceptance rate
- Uses Common App
We listed the two schools in Hawai‘i that met our ranking criteria.
Find our full list of methodologies here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Schools in Hawai‘i
Does the University of Hawai‘i have online classes?
The University of Hawai‘i (UH) System includes several campuses, including UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu and UH Hilo, that offer online courses, certificates and degree programs. Their offerings cater to diverse academic interests and professional goals.
What is the easiest college to get into in Hawai‘i?
Determining the “easiest” college to get into involves assessing admission requirements and acceptance rates. Community colleges within the University of Hawai‘i System often have the most accessible admissions processes.
Does Hawai‘i have free college tuition?
The Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship provides free in-state tuition for eligible UH Community College students. Students planning to enroll in other online colleges in the state should explore institutional and federal aid options, which can reduce tuition costs.
