Chaminade University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Catholic university in Hawaii. It was founded in 1955 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,196 students (as of Fall 2023). The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including fine arts, humanities, sciences, mathematics, behavioral sciences, business, communication, education, and nursing. Chaminade University is known for its small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio, providing a personalized education that encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving. With students from various cultural backgrounds, the university fosters a community that values respect, service, and the pursuit of truth through both reason and faith.

Chaminade University of Honolulu's undergraduate enrollment

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Catholic university in Hawaii. It was founded in 1955 by the Society of Mary and is named after Father William Joseph Chaminade, a French Catholic priest who survived persecution during the French Revolution.

Chaminade University offers a wide range of academic programs, including 25 undergraduate majors, 36 minors, 14 certificates, 6 associate degrees, 19 online degrees, 6 master's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees. The university is committed to providing a holistic education that focuses on both faith and reason and encourages students to think deeper, re-imagine, question, and push limits.

The university's undergraduate enrollment was 1,196 in the fall of 2023. Chaminade University offers on and off-campus housing facilities for approximately 400 students. The on-campus dorms include Hale Lokelani, Hale Pohaku, and Keiffer Hall, with Keiffer Hall being the only single-sex dorm for women. The off-campus dorms are apartment-style living facilities located within a mile of the campus.

Chaminade University's campus is 65 acres and is located in Kaimuki, Honolulu, at the base of St. Louis Heights. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and is committed to providing a high-quality education with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Chaminade's student body diversity

Chaminade University of Honolulu is one of the most diverse colleges in the US, with a student body that is predominantly Asian (66%) and Pacific Islander (18%). The school has a very high racial diversity, with 82% of students being minorities or people of colour (BIPOC). The student population also includes Native Hawaiian, Black or African American, White, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native students.

The University is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, a cosmopolitan city with a diverse range of coexisting cultures. This provides an additional layer of cultural awareness for the students, as they experience a unique blend of cultural traditions within the academic environment. The University's location in the international city of Honolulu also contributes to its diverse student body, attracting students not only from Hawaii but also from the mainland US, the Pacific region, and beyond.

Chaminade University's international students find a welcoming environment in Honolulu, a city known for its gracious host culture and immigrant population from various parts of the globe. The University itself is designated as an Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution (ANNHI) and receives federal grants to improve and expand its capacity to serve these communities.

In terms of gender diversity, Chaminade University has a higher percentage of female students, with a gender ratio of 72% women to 28% men among both undergraduate and graduate students. The University also has a high geographic diversity, with 30-58% of students coming from out of state and international locations.

Chaminade University of Honolulu prides itself on being a meeting place for diverse cultural traditions, fostering a model of multicultural interaction and understanding. The University's commitment to diversity and inclusion is in line with its foundation as a Catholic university, emphasising both reason and faith as essential conditions in the pursuit of truth.

The number of degree-granting schools at Chaminade

Chaminade University of Honolulu has 5 degree-granting schools:

School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Chaminade University offers rigorous, real-world learning opportunities that stress scientific inquiry and drive home the value of civic engagement and social justice.

School of Business and Communication

The School of Business and Communication is home to world-class programs that tackle societal issues and help find solutions. Innovation is possible in every sector, and excellence is a state of mind.

School of Humanities, Arts, and Design

The School of Humanities, Arts, and Design offers a diverse range of disciplines, including English, Interior Design, Political Studies, Religious Studies, and Pastoral Theology. Students in this school share an appreciation for gaining a better understanding of the human experience.

School of Education and Behavioral Science

The School of Education and Behavioral Science provides rigorous offerings that include a robust academic core and see service-learning and hands-on experiences as central to ensuring students are prepared to meet big challenges in their communities.

School of Nursing and Health Professions

The School of Nursing and Health Professions offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for the unique challenges they will face in the healthcare sector. The program provides hands-on preparation, state-of-the-art tools, and a mentorship component.

Chaminade's tuition and fees

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Catholic Marianist university in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the only Catholic university in the state and one of only three Marianist higher-education institutions in the US. The university offers a financial aid program to assist families who would otherwise be unable to afford a Chaminade education, as well as those experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Financial aid is awarded based on an evaluation of each individual situation, with a primary focus on a family's financial situation.

The estimated total cost of attendance for Chaminade University of Honolulu for the 2024-25 academic year is $49,860, $47,395, or $34,843, depending on the number of credits taken per semester. The total cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses. The estimated total cost of attendance for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is $57,150, $54,685, or $42,131, depending on the same factors.

Other varied expenses include personal expenses, transportation, and federal direct loan fees. The estimated personal expenses for the 2024-25 academic year are $1,665, and the estimated transportation expenses are $1,081. The average federal direct loan fee is $134 for those utilising federal student loans.

The university offers on-campus housing for approximately 400 students, with the option of co-ed or single-sex dorms. The cost of on-campus housing is not included in the tuition and fees, and students are responsible for the additional cost. The university also offers a monthly tuition payment plan for students who wish to pay in instalments.

Chaminade's ranking in Best Colleges 2025

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Marianist university in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was founded in 1955 and offers bachelor's degrees in 23 fields of study and 5 master's degree programs. The university has been ranked highly in several categories by US News & World Report in its 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings. Here is a detailed breakdown of Chaminade's rankings:

Regional Universities West: #33

Chaminade University ranked 33rd among regional universities in the West. This ranking considers the university's performance across various indicators of excellence, including academic quality, campus culture, strength in specific majors, and financial aid offered.

Best Value – Regional Universities West: #21

Chaminade University was recognised for providing exceptional value and affordability. The university's Hawaii Guarantee tuition program offers local high school seniors the same tuition rate as the University of Hawaii at Manoa, along with a pathway to graduate in four years.

Best Undergraduate Nursing Category

Chaminade's Nursing Program was ranked among the best undergraduate nursing programs in the country. The university's focus on academic excellence and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community have contributed to this recognition.

Best College Locations in Hawaii: #1

Chaminade University was ranked as the best college location in Hawaii, highlighting the attractiveness and convenience of its campus for students.

Colleges with the Best Student Life in Hawaii: #1

The university also topped the rankings for the best student life in Hawaii. This ranking reflects Chaminade's vibrant and diverse community, offering a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organisations for students to engage with.

Safest College Campuses in Hawaii: #1

Chaminade University was recognised as having the safest college campus in Hawaii, ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for its students.

Best College Campuses in America: #28

In addition to its regional rankings, Chaminade University was ranked 28th out of 1,373 schools for the best college campuses across America. This ranking underscores the beauty and appeal of the university's campus on a national level.

Chaminade University's strong performance in these rankings highlights its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and creating a vibrant and safe campus community. These rankings provide valuable insights for prospective students considering their educational options and reinforce Chaminade's reputation as a leading educational institution in Hawaii and beyond.

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