6 Cheapest Universities in Hawaii for International Students

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In Hawaii, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Hawaii, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 6 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Hawaii, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Hawaii for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Hawaii ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Brigham Young University-Hawaii 8,334 USD - 16,700 USD 65%
University of Hawaii-West Oahu 20,400 USD 15%
University of Hawaii at Hilo 20,400 USD - 41,100 USD 15%
Chaminade University of Honolulu 28,600 USD - 35,300 USD -20%
Hawaii Pacific University 31,500 USD - 37,400 USD -32%
University of Hawaii at Mānoa 33,400 USD -40%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 23,800 USD for universities in Hawaii.

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1. Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Brigham Young University-Hawaii was established in 1955 by the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is located in Laie, Hawaii, and is also an active partner of the Polynesian Cultural Center. It currently offers undergraduate programs in a wide range of academic disciplines such as arts, humanities, mathematics, and professional studies. 

2. University of Hawaii-West Oahu

The University of Hawaii-West Oahu provides a safe space for students to learn and experience the career they are passionate about. The university reflects the uniqueness and authenticity of the Hawaiian tradition, which is why it is famous among international students. The University of Hawaii-West Oahu is one of the fastest-growing public baccalaureate schools in the country.

3. University of Hawaii at Hilo

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is, as its name states, located in the town of Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1947 and has a more hands-on direct approach by making smaller classes. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, with a diverse population taught with Hawaiian culture and tradition in mind. As cliché as it sounds, their mission and vision focus on family, responsibility, and diversity to guide the learning process of their students. In their 70 years of service, they have produced students that are highly competent, innovative, and involved in society.

4. Chaminade University of Honolulu

The Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private university in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was founded in 1955 by the religious congregation, Society of Mary. The university is well-known for its biology, business, forensic science, design, nursing, and religious studies programs.

5. Hawaii Pacific University

The Hawaii Pacific University is the most extensive private institution in its region. The institution has several locations across Hawaii. Their campuses include one in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii Loa, Makapu‘u, and military campuses on different bases such as O‘ahu and Pearl Harbor. It is ranked 201st in the US by QS rankings.

6. University of Hawaii at Mānoa

Founded as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanic arts under the Morrill Act, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa started with 10 students and 13 faculty. 13 years from its establishment, the college was granted university status and later on offered various other programs. The university continued to expand and offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Hawaii for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Hawaii ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Chaminade University of Honolulu 10,100 USD - 13,100 USD 39%
Hawaii Pacific University 12,600 USD - 27,500 USD 24%
University of Hawaii at Mānoa 16,900 USD - 22,800 USD -1%
University of Hawaii at Hilo 26,600 USD -60%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,600 USD for universities in Hawaii.

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1. Chaminade University of Honolulu

The Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private university in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was founded in 1955 by the religious congregation, Society of Mary. The university is well-known for its biology, business, forensic science, design, nursing, and religious studies programs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Chaminade University of Honolulu should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 10,080 USD to 13,020 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Hawaii Pacific University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Hawaii Pacific University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Hawaii Pacific University is 12,582 USD to 27,450 USD.

The Hawaii Pacific University is the most extensive private institution in its region. The institution has several locations across Hawaii. Their campuses include one in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii Loa, Makapu‘u, and military campuses on different bases such as O‘ahu and Pearl Harbor. It is ranked 201st in the US by QS rankings.

3. University of Hawaii at Mānoa

Founded as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanic arts under the Morrill Act, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa started with 10 students and 13 faculty. 13 years from its establishment, the college was granted university status and later on offered various other programs. The university continued to expand and offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

The tuition fee at University of Hawaii at Mānoa for incoming international master’s students is 16,824 USD to 22,752 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Hawaii at Hilo

Another affordable university to consider in Hawaii is University of Hawaii at Hilo.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is, as its name states, located in the town of Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1947 and has a more hands-on direct approach by making smaller classes. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, with a diverse population taught with Hawaiian culture and tradition in mind. As cliché as it sounds, their mission and vision focus on family, responsibility, and diversity to guide the learning process of their students. In their 70 years of service, they have produced students that are highly competent, innovative, and involved in society.

The tuition fee in University of Hawaii at Hilo for master’s program for foreign students starts from 26,568 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Hawaii?

Applying to cheap universities in Hawaii requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Hawaii?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Hawaii. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Hawaii is the Brigham Young University-Hawaii, which offers Art Education, Biochemistry, and Computer Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Chaminade University of Honolulu offers Teaching, Business Administration, and Education.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Hawaii, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Hawaii as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Hawaii for international students was helpful!