Choosing a college in Hawaii doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Hawaii are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Hawaii , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 5 four-year Hawaii Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $25,717, reflecting a -15.03% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 5 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 1 colleges, while tuition decreased at 1 colleges.
Columbia College - USCG Base Honolulu ranks as the least expensive Hawaii colleges. With tuition and fees at just $8,304, Columbia College - USCG Base Honolulu offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are University of Hawaii at Hilo at$20,798 and Chaminade University of Honolulu at$30,874 both consistently recognized among the Hawaii Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Hawaii Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 81.13%, and the average SAT score is 1,094, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia College - USCG Base Honolulu Honolulu, HIPrivate, 4-year | $8,304 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 1 | University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo, HIPublic, 4-year | $20,798 ($7,838) - | $27,062 ($12,230) - | 60.63% | 2,668 | 1,050 | 48.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu, HIPrivate, 4-year | $30,874 $904 | $26,880 $840 | 91.43% | 2,709 | 1,060 | 55.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 4 1 | University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HIPublic, 4-year | $34,218 ($12,186) - | $34,550 ($16,502) - | 86.60% | 20,028 | 1,160 | 64.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, HIPrivate, 4-year | $34,392 $1,688 | $21,485 $48 | 85.87% | 4,921 | 1,105 | 35.00% | 15 to 1 |
| Average | $25,717 ($10,012) | $27,494 ($14,366) | 81.13% | 7,582 | 1,094 | 50.50% | 13 to 1 |