
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is a public liberal arts and science university with a diverse student population of around 4,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a unique blend of local, mainland, and international students. The campus is located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, providing a natural laboratory for the study of volcanoes, astronomy, agriculture, and marine sciences. With affordable tuition fees, the university is known for its intimate character and rural setting, attracting students who want to leave home while staying within the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Institution | Public liberal arts and science university |
| Year founded | 1947 |
| Campus size | 115 acres |
| Number of students | 4,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2023) | 2,424 |
| Median undergraduate tuition (2023) | $7,344 |
| Average net price after grants and loans (2023) | $12,936 |
| Percentage of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through grants (2023) | 62% |
| Percentage of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through loans (2023) | 30% |
| Average yearly cost of room and board (2023) | $10,866 |
| Average yearly cost of books and supplies (2022-2023) | $1,350 |
| Ranking in 2025 edition of Best Colleges | #352 in National Universities |
| In-state tuition and fees | $7,838 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $20,798 |
| Unique programs | Master's degree in indigenous language studies, two Ph.D. programs, Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a rural focus |
| Popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations (2023) | General Psychology, General Business Administration & Management, Marine Biology & Biological Oceanography |
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What You'll Learn

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has 4,000 students
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional programs, as well as several graduate and doctoral programs. The university has a diverse student population, with a mix of local, mainland, and international students. The surrounding community has a rich agricultural history, and the island landscape is diverse, with snow-capped mountains, deserts, rainforests, coral reefs, estuaries, and volcanoes.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is known for its distinctive undergraduate programs and rural setting. The most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations in 2023 were General Psychology (67 degrees), General Business Administration & Management (59 degrees), and Marine Biology & Biological Oceanography (46 degrees). The average net price of attendance, including tuition, room and board, and books and supplies, is significantly lower than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo provides a unique and enriching educational experience for its 4,000 students, combining a diverse range of academic programs with the natural wonders of its island location. Its focus on scholarship, research, and student engagement contributes to a well-rounded and engaging learning environment.
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In 2023, 62% of undergrads received financial aid
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public liberal arts and science university that was founded in 1947 and officially named in 1970. The university has consistently ranked as one of the "Most Diverse National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report. In fall 2023, UH Hilo had a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,424 students.
In 2023, 62% of undergraduate students at UH Hilo received financial aid through grants or loans. This represents a significant decline from 2022, when 93% of undergraduate students received financial aid. The average net price of attendance at UH Hilo, after factoring in grants and loans, was $12,936 in 2023. This net price reflects a 6.71% increase from the previous year.
The majority of UH Hilo students who received financial aid in 2023 did so through grants, with 62% of undergraduates benefiting from this form of aid. Additionally, 30% of undergraduates received financial aid through loans. Federal loans are generally preferable to private loans due to their lower interest rates and potential benefits such as loan forgiveness. At UH Hilo, 48% of students take out federal loans, while 5% of students take out private loans.
The cost of attendance, which includes tuition, room and board, books, and supplies, can be a significant expense for students. In 2023, the tuition at UH Hilo was $7,344, and the average yearly cost of room and board was $10,866. The average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,350. Financial aid plays a crucial role in helping students afford these expenses, ensuring that they can access a college education despite financial challenges.
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UH Hilo offers distinctive undergraduate programs
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public liberal arts and sciences university that was founded in 1947 and officially named in 1970. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,424 students as of Fall 2023 and spans 115 acres. UH Hilo has been consistently ranked as one of the "Most Diverse National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2020. Additionally, College Raptor named UH Hilo a 2024 "Hidden Gem".
The College of Natural and Health Sciences (CNHS) offers rigorous and practical education, preparing students for careers or graduate work. UH Hilo also offers unique postgraduate programs, including two Ph.D. programs and three master's programs that are exclusive to the UH system. One of the notable Ph.D. programs is the Doctor of Pharmacy, a four-year educational and experiential curriculum that leads to a Pharm.D. degree. This program is hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP).
Another distinctive undergraduate program at UH Hilo is the Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language. This college is dedicated to the revitalisation and advancement of the Hawaiian language and culture. It offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Hawaiian language and gain a deep understanding of its importance in the state's history and present. The college plays a vital role in ensuring the mauli ola Hawaiʻi, or the vibrant life force of Hawaiʻi, thrives through language preservation and cultural appreciation.
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The campus size is 115 acres
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public university in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and is one of ten campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi system. The campus size is 115 acres, and it has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,424 students as of Fall 2023. UH Hilo was founded in 1947 and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has a focus on providing high-quality baccalaureate and limited postgraduate education, with a unique offering of two Ph.D. programs and three master's programs.
The history of UH Hilo dates back to 1945 when it was established as the Hilo Center at Lyman Hall of the Hilo Boys School. It was officially named the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in 1970 and has since grown into a comprehensive, regional university. The campus has seen various developments over the years, including sharing facilities with Hawaii Community College until their separation in 1990.
UH Hilo's 115-acre campus provides a unique setting for its students, with a blend of natural beauty and academic facilities. The campus size allows for a diverse range of academic buildings, residential halls, and outdoor spaces to support the educational and extracurricular needs of its students. The campus design promotes a sense of community and engagement among its students and faculty.
The university's campus size also enables a variety of extracurricular activities and student organizations to thrive. With 115 acres to work with, UH Hilo can offer a range of sports facilities, club meeting spaces, and outdoor areas for student gatherings and events. This campus size fosters a well-rounded student experience, encouraging not only academic excellence but also social engagement and a sense of community.
In addition to serving its students, UH Hilo's 115-acre campus also benefits the surrounding community. The campus often hosts community events, cultural gatherings, and educational workshops that are open to the public. The campus size allows for adequate parking and accessibility for visitors, making it a convenient and welcoming space for local residents. The university's campus has become an integral part of the Hilo community, providing a central hub for learning, cultural exchange, and social activities.
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UH Hilo is a diverse university
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a diverse university in several ways. Firstly, it has a diverse student body in terms of ethnicity and race. The university has been recognised as an Alaskan Native- or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution (ANNHI) and is also designated as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). 78% of students are minorities or people of colour (BIPOC), and the student population is predominantly multiracial, with a significant White population as well. UH Hilo has consistently ranked as one of the "Most Diverse National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2020.
In terms of gender diversity, however, UH Hilo has a lower percentage of male students, with 150% more female students enrolled than their male counterparts. The full-time undergraduate population is made up of 64% women and 36% men, while the graduate student population is 67% women and 33% men.
UH Hilo also has a diverse student body in terms of age, with a higher percentage of non-traditional students compared to the national average. 41.37% of students at UH Hilo are between the ages of 18 and 21, which is considered the traditional college student age range, while the national average is 60%.
Additionally, UH Hilo has geographic diversity among its students. While 75% of the student body resides in-state, 20.8% of students come from out of state, and 1.9% are international students. The undergraduate student body is spread across 20 states, and the university attracts students from 35 countries, with the majority of international students coming from Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
The university fosters a sense of belonging and community for its diverse student population, offering various clubs, organisations, campus resources, and local community outlets. The Women's Resource Center and the LGBTQ+ Center are two critical support centres on campus that contribute to the inclusive environment at UH Hilo.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2023, the University of Hawaii Hilo has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,424 students. The university has a wider student population of 4,000.
The University of Hawaii Hilo is the only place in the US where students can earn a master's degree in indigenous language studies. The university has been named a "Hidden Gem" by College Raptor and has consistently ranked as one of the "Most Diverse National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report.
The campus is 115 acres and is located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, which provides an unparalleled natural laboratory for the study of volcanoes, astronomy, agriculture, and marine sciences. The surrounding community is ethnically diverse and has a rich agricultural history. The landscape is also extraordinarily diverse, with snow-capped mountains, windy deserts, lush rainforests, endangered coral reefs, protective estuaries, and active volcanoes.
The median undergraduate tuition at the university is $7,344, which is significantly less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. The average net price for students in 2023, after taking grants and loans into account, is $12,936. The average yearly cost of room and board is $10,866, and the average yearly cost of books and supplies is $1,350.











































