Get Matched With Online Colleges

Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU) is a private higher education institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Founded in 1965, the school now offers classes in downtown Honolulu, Kaneohe, and Waimanalo. As an international learning community, Hawai’i Pacific University welcomes students from around the world to gain an American education build on a liberal arts foundation. The institution offers innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that anticipate the changing needs of the community and prepare graduates to live, work, and learn as active members of a global society.


Overview of Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU)


The total student population at Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU) is 4,876, with 4,151 enrolled in undergraduate programs. The institution employs approximately 173 full-time and 169 part-time faculty members, most of whom provide instruction. A small number of employed professors focus their efforts on research and public service. Overall, the school’s student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1, which is lower to the national average. Notably, the university also maintains seven graduate assistant positions to help with instruction.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio NA
Graduation Rate NA
Year Founded NA

Student Enrollment


Total Students4,876

Undergraduate
4,151
Graduate
725

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,453
1,453
Female 2,698
2,698

Graduate Student

Male 254
254
Female 471
471

Explore Map

HPU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS13,354

Male 2,695
Female 10,658

ACCEPTANCE11,618

Male 2,264
Female 9,379

Acceptance Rate87%

Male 84%
Female 88%

Enrollment 581

Male 136
Female 469
Admissions
Application Fee $50
High School GPA Not Required, But Considered
High School Rank Not Required, But Considered
High School Transcripts Required To Be Considered
College Prep Courses Not Required, But Considered
Recommendations Not Required, But Considered
Formal demonstration of competencies Not Required, But Considered
Work experience Not Required, But Considered
Personal statement or essay Not Required, But Considered
Legacy status Not Considered
SAT/ACT Not Required, But Considered (Test optional)
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) Not Required, But Considered (Test optional)
English Proficiency Test Required To Be Considered
Application Deadline September 6
Common Application Accepted Yes

HPU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The cost of attending Hawai’i Pacific University varies based and the type and level of education sought. Notably, there are no differences in tuition based on state residency because the institution is a private school. During the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for undergraduate students was estimated at $38,640 per year. Graduate degree seekers, however, will pay varying rates depending on the program selected. These costs range from $14,220 to $28,890 per year. The institution’s doctorate of physical therapy degree costs $22,500 per year.

Prospective students should also expect to pay various institutional fees. These vary by academic level and program, but are generally $300 or more. Those enrolling will also need to pay for books, supplies, transportation, housing, meals, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Hawai’i Pacific University estimates those enrolled will spend approximately $1,050 on books and supplies and $2,000 on personal expenses per semester. Transportation expenses vary based on residency, as those from mainland United State will have to pay for plane tickets. Those living on campus should also anticipate spending at least $16,042 on housing and meals.

The Hawai’i Pacific University Financial Aid Office helps empower students to make informed financial decisions regarding their education. To maximize financial aid eligibility, the institution encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application helps determine expected family contribution, which in turn indicates how much money may be awarded in the form of grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. Hawai’i Pacific University also offers competitive merit scholarships, talent scholarships, athletic scholarships, and other need and non-need scholarship/grants through the admissions process. All incoming students are automatically considered for all available aid of this type.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 100% of students entering postsecondary education for the first time at Hawai’i Pacific University received some form of financial assistance. Even with this assistance, 58% of these students still required some aid from loans.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $30,501
Average Total Aid $18,788
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $15,278

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $31,940
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $31,940
  • Books and Supplies - $1,200
  • Room & Board - $15,278
  • Other - $2,400

Popular Academic Programs at HPU


Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU) offers cutting edge education in a variety of fields, from sciences to the arts. The institution’s general curriculum is designed to help students lead exultant and courageous lives as intelligent members of a complex society. By introducing those enrolled to different ways of knowing, the programs challenge students to become creative and innovative, both within their chosen career fields and in their wider lives. The university offers learning opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Graduate certificates and online programs are also available.

Students can choose from a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate majors offered by the following schools and colleges:

  • College of Business
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Natural and Computational Sciences
  • College of Professional Studies
  • School of Nursing
  • Graduate College of Health Sciences

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the retention rate for first-time, undergraduate freshmen who began their studies at Hawai’i Pacific University in 2022 was 59% for full-time students and 10% for part-time students. Notably, the national average is 68%. Still, overall, this indicates that most students enrolled at the university chose to return to further their educations.

The overall graduation rate is comparable. Of the students who began their studies in fall 2016, 45% were able to complete requirements within 150% of normal time. This equates to about six years for bachelor’s degrees and three years for associate and master’s degrees. Most students strive to graduate within two or four years, however, which was achieved by only 38% of those included in the data. However, the transfer-out rate reported was 37%, which means that a significant number of students may have graduated elsewhere after transferring.

Hawai’i Pacific University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The institution also maintains many programmatic accreditations. Some notable examples of this include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Hawai’i Pacific University is also a member of the Hawaii Public Health Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, National League for Nursing, Association of College and Research Libraries, and National Organization of Nurse Practitioners Faculties.

Student Population Total


Student Population 4,876

Undergraduate
4,151
Graduate
725
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Health Professions and Related Programs 122 Total Graduates / 24%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 114 Graduates
Public Health, General 8 Graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 99 Total Graduates / 20%
Business Administration and Management, General 80 Graduates
Human Resources Development 19 Graduates
Biological and Biomedical Sciences 54 Total Graduates / 11%
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography 25 Graduates
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 25 Graduates
Biochemistry 4 Graduates
Psychology 36 Total Graduates / 7%
Psychology, General 36 Graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services 34 Total Graduates / 7%
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration 34 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 31%

Outcome & Salary


Hawai’i Pacific University conducted its first annual Campus Climate Survey in 2022. It solicited the views of the entire campus community of students, faculty, staff, and administration. A total of 860 individuals responded, which signifies a 22% participation rate. This collection on responses found that 80% of the community was satisfied with the campus climate overall. No data is available regarding employment outcomes, however.

Additionally, the Career Development Center provides students and alumni with the necessary resources to be highly competitive individuals in the college-to-career transition. The department supports students in becoming prepared, adaptable, dynamic, and resourceful. Services offered include career advising, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, and employer info sessions.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $57,800
College Grads Average Salary $80,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $82,600
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $800,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,626,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $122,004
10 Year Projected ROI $677,996
20 Year Projected ROI $1,503,996
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

Photos & Videos


Search All Programs