11 Best Colleges in Honolulu
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Honolulu, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Honolulu.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Honolulu graduates reach $45,476 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $3,174 to $33,020.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionChaminade University of Honolulu
Annual Tuition
$29,970
Early Salary
$52,343
Acceptance Matrix
92.6%
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Annual Tuition
$12,186
Early Salary
$57,624
Acceptance Matrix
69.7%
Hawaii Institute of Hair Design
Annual Tuition
$13,238
Early Salary
$25,235
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Hawaii Pacific University
Annual Tuition
$33,020
Early Salary
$59,593
Acceptance Matrix
84.5%
Honolulu Community College
Annual Tuition
$3,174
Early Salary
$45,105
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Kapiolani Community College
Annual Tuition
$3,284
Early Salary
$44,599
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Pacific Rim Christian University
Annual Tuition
$12,380
Early Salary
$40,523
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Hawaii Medical College
Annual Tuition
$25,927
Early Salary
$38,880
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy
Annual Tuition
$14,133
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Columbia College - USCG Base Honolulu
Annual Tuition
$8,304
Early Salary
$45,378
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Honolulu
01
Academic Diversity
Honolulu offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Chaminade University of Honolulu, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Institute of Hair Design and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Honolulu can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Honolulu graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Hawaii Pacific University lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $59,593. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Honolulu has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Kaneohe, Kailua Kona, Kapolei to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Hawaii landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Honolulu
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Honolulu, HI
Selecting a college in Honolulu provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 11 institutions within or near the city limits of Honolulu, Hawaii. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Honolulu cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Honolulu area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Hawaii.
Our data for Honolulu, HI colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Hawaii.