# Best Colleges in Hawaii

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 12 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-hawaii

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Hawaii

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Hawaii is home to a diverse range of colleges and universities, each offering unique opportunities for students. With 12 institutions in our focus, prospective students might be weighing their options in a state known for its natural beauty and rich culture.

The schools listed here are evaluated based on key metrics that matter most for student success, like earnings after graduation, graduation rates, student debt, and mobility. The data reveals how these institutions prepare students for life after college, helping families make informed decisions about their futures.

For example, the University of Hawaii at Manoa stands out with an average earning potential of $57,624 and a graduation rate of 63%, compared to Kapiolani Community College, where graduates earn an average of $44,599 with only a 21% graduation rate. Such contrasts highlight the importance of not just selecting a school, but understanding the outcomes tied to each choice.

## Key Findings

- Brigham Young University-Hawaii has a graduation rate of 54% with an average earning of $52,064, making it a strong option.
- University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduates earn an average of $52,075 but have a lower graduation rate of 48%.
- Leeward Community College has the lowest average earnings at $39,899 and a graduation rate of just 33%.
- Overall, the average earnings for graduates in Hawaii is $46,578, with an average graduation rate of 40%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Chaminade University of Honolulu](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chaminade-university-of-honolulu) | Honolulu, HI | 57% | $52,343 | $28,856 | $23,250 | 0.44x |
| 2 | [Hawaii Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hawaii-pacific-university) | Honolulu, HI | 38% | $59,593 | $29,657 | $22,000 | 0.37x |
| 3 | [University of Hawaii at Manoa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hawaii-at-manoa) | Honolulu, HI | 63% | $57,624 | $15,664 | $18,500 | 0.32x |
| 4 | [Brigham Young University-Hawaii](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/brigham-young-university-hawaii) | Laie, HI | 54% | $52,064 | $16,774 | $9,413 | 0.18x |
| 5 | [University of Hawaii-West Oahu](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hawaii-west-oahu) | Kapolei, HI | 48% | $52,075 | $10,327 | $14,500 | 0.28x |
| 6 | [University of Hawaii at Hilo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hawaii-at-hilo) | Hilo, HI | 45% | $47,856 | $11,856 | $20,500 | 0.43x |
| 7 | [Kapiolani Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kapiolani-community-college) | Honolulu, HI | 21% | $44,599 | $5,202 | $9,229 | 0.21x |
| 8 | [Honolulu Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/honolulu-community-college) | Honolulu, HI | 30% | $45,105 | $7,458 | $7,534 | 0.17x |
| 9 | [Leeward Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/leeward-community-college) | Pearl City, HI | 33% | $39,899 | $5,137 | $8,970 | 0.22x |
| 10 | [Windward Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/windward-community-college) | Kaneohe, HI | 30% | $38,439 | $8,169 | $9,500 | 0.25x |
| 11 | [Hawaii Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hawaii-community-college) | Hilo, HI | 32% | $34,891 | $8,942 | $10,500 | 0.3x |
| 12 | [University of Hawaii Maui College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hawaii-maui-college) | Kahului, HI | 28% | $34,453 | $8,061 | $13,040 | 0.38x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Hawaii." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-hawaii

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.