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University of Hawaii at Hilo

UH Hilo / UHH

Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4091

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

College townGreek life

Known for health sciences — excellent value

University of Hawaii at Hilo is a public institution in Hilo with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1025, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2.3K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

42% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,856 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,063.

Established
1945
Motto
Maluna aʻe o nā lāhui āpau ke ola ke kānaka
Mascot
Vulcan
Type
Public university
Conference
NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference
Division
Division II

Plan Your Visit

90%Acceptance
1025SAT Avg
2,260Students
12:1Student:Faculty
42%Grad Rate
$47,856Earnings 10yr
$12,063Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate89.8%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1025

Reading & WritingMid: 565
478570
MathMid: 540
420540

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 19
1522

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$7,838
Tuition (out-of-state)$20,798
Room & Board$8,248
Books & Supplies$1,350
Total Cost of Attendance$20,914
Average Net Price$12,063
Median Debt at Graduation$20,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$217

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$9,081
$30–48K$9,707
$48–75K$12,607
$75–110K$14,862
$110K+$19,851

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

70.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$12,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

15

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

3

Burglary

1

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

1

Motor Vehicle Theft

2

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

5

Drug Arrests

3

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (74)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

70%

Below Average

Student Body

Undergrads
2,260
Gender Split
63% / 37%
Women / Men
First Generation
37%
Pell Grant Recipients
40%

Race & Ethnicity

White 20%
Black 1%
Hispanic 17%
Asian 13%
Two+ 35%
Int'l 5%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate41.6%
Freshman Retention69.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$37,204
10 Years$47,856

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#96
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#166
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • After an attempt to close the school in 1951 by Governor Oren E.
  • In 1955, the branch moved to its present location on a 30-acre (12 ha) parcel of land with an enlarged faculty to support its growing student population.
  • In 1964, University of Hawaiʻi president Thomas Hamilton released a feasibility study on creating a statewide system of community colleges operating as part of the university.
  • Both Hawaii Community College and the Hilo Branch, however, would share the same facilities until 1984.
  • In 1970, University of Hawaiʻi president Harlan Cleveland led efforts to reorganize the Hilo Branch by renaming the campus to Hilo College and merged with Hawaii Community College.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

170Very High

Estimated from HI state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Honolulupop. 350K
211 mi(366 min)
San Franciscopop. 870K
2321 mi(4023 min)
Los Angelespop. 3.9M
2460 mi(4264 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

HNL Honolulu215 mi
SFO San Francisco2319 mi
SJC San Jose2335 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA5014 mi · ~144h 51m drive
New York, NY4885 mi · ~141h 7m drive
Hartford, CT4940 mi · ~142h 43m drive
Providence, RI5003 mi · ~144h 32m drive
Albany, NY4875 mi · ~140h 50m drive
Syracuse, NY4751 mi · ~137h 15m drive
Rochester, NY4677 mi · ~135h 7m drive
Buffalo, NY4616 mi · ~133h 21m drive
Philadelphia, PA4833 mi · ~139h 37m drive
Pittsburgh, PA4576 mi · ~132h 12m drive
Harrisburg, PA4740 mi · ~136h 56m drive
Newark, NJ4876 mi · ~140h 52m drive
Washington, DC4746 mi · ~137h 6m drive
Baltimore, MD4764 mi · ~137h 38m drive
Atlanta, GA4388 mi · ~126h 46m drive
Charlotte, NC4575 mi · ~132h 10m drive
Raleigh, NC4692 mi · ~135h 33m drive
Miami, FL4728 mi · ~136h 35m drive
Orlando, FL4619 mi · ~133h 26m drive
Tampa, FL4562 mi · ~131h 47m drive
Nashville, TN4237 mi · ~122h 24m drive
New Orleans, LA4086 mi · ~118h 2m drive
Richmond, VA4739 mi · ~136h 54m drive
Chicago, IL4174 mi · ~120h 35m drive
Detroit, MI4407 mi · ~127h 19m drive
Minneapolis, MN3900 mi · ~112h 40m drive
St. Louis, MO4041 mi · ~116h 44m drive
Kansas City, MO3806 mi · ~109h 57m drive
Indianapolis, IN4255 mi · ~122h 55m drive
Columbus, OH4421 mi · ~127h 43m drive
Cleveland, OH4481 mi · ~129h 27m drive
Milwaukee, WI4159 mi · ~120h 9m drive
Dallas, TX3678 mi · ~106h 15m drive
Houston, TX3771 mi · ~108h 56m drive
Austin, TX3627 mi · ~104h 47m drive
San Antonio, TX3585 mi · ~103h 34m drive
Los Angeles, CA2460 mi · ~71h 4m drive
San Francisco, CA2321 mi · ~67h 3m drive
San Diego, CA2500 mi · ~72h 13m drive
Seattle, WA2659 mi · ~76h 49m drive
Portland, OR2564 mi · ~74h 4m drive
Denver, CO3258 mi · ~94h 7m drive
Phoenix, AZ2799 mi · ~80h 52m drive
Salt Lake City, UT2920 mi · ~84h 21m drive
Honolulu, HI211 mi · ~6h 6m drive
Tropical (warm year-round)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

University of Hawaii at Hilo Application Checklist

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