Online Schools and Colleges in Hawaii

Hawaii colleges and universities are leading the way in many exciting new initiatives, from going green to providing extra financial aid incentives to students at risk of dropping out of school. Students who are interested in earning their college degree can benefit greatly from online learning, which enables Hawaii residents on any island to earn the same, top-quality college degrees as students living in the bigger cities on O’ahu. This page covers how much it costs to earn an online degree in Hawaii, how to find the best online program and the tips and tricks to save money on tuition, transfer and jump-start your college career.

Hawaii offers some of the best education options in the country. Increasing demand for college-educated professionals and statewide education initiatives drive enrollment in Hawaiian higher education institutions. State leaders in education, government, and the community offer incentives and opportunities for students.

Hawaiian students benefit from a promising landscape, but choosing from the variety of available programs can feel overwhelming. To help you find the best school for your needs, this guide explores Hawaii’s most affordable and high-quality schools. The following sections detail funding options, career opportunities for graduates, and information about online learning.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

With so many online schools and colleges in Hawaii, learners should thoroughly research their options before enrolling. Students can explore each school’s website, the state government’s list of colleges and universities, and the state’s list of authorized higher education institutions. You can also click the search icon below for more details about online programs in Hawaii.

Nationwide, higher education levels tend to lead to more advanced positions and higher salaries. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) illustrates that individuals with higher degrees also enjoy lower unemployment rates.

According to a state report from the Research and Economics Analysis Division, salaries for professionals in the state tend to increase with more advanced education. Hawaii professionals with some college education earn more than the national average for individuals with the same education level. The table below illustrates how educational attainment impacts salaries nationwide.

Source:BLS

A report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities attributes tuition increases in Hawaii to decreases in state and federal funding since the Great Recession of 2008. While Hawaii is one of the few states to have surpassed pre-recession tuition funding rates, many students still need assistance to pay for their college education. The table below highlights how Hawaii tuition rates compare to national averages.

Source:National Center for Education Statistics

The figures above include tuition and tuition-related fees but do not consider additional costs, such as room and board. Although distance learners often save money on housing and transportation, some schools charge online students additional fees. Below are some common expenses online learners.

Since distance learning reduces constraints related to geographic location, online learners can choose from schools throughout the country. Some schools charge all online learners in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency. However, most online programs require learners to meet the institution’s residency requirements to qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Each school sets unique residency requirements. Some schools require students to currently live in the state and to have resided there for a specific period of time. Other institutions offer in-state tuition rates to learners who work in the state. Students should carefully research these requirements, as they can significantly impact tuition rates.

Hawaii students can access a variety of financial aid options. Scholarships and grants are the most desirable types of funding, since they do not require repayment. The scholarships and grants below are available to Hawaii students. Learners should consider any academic or geographical restrictions that may make them ineligible for an award or grant.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship from OHA supports native Hawaiian students attending a college or university in Hawaii. Applicants may need to meet specific academic requirements.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Available to Hawaii residents, this scholarship supports graduates of a Hawaii high school who plan to attend a Hawaii college or university. Applicants must be enrolling full time and must have a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is available to learners who graduated from a Hawaii high school after 2005. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Up to $2,000

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports Hawaii students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and female applicants who identify as LGBT receive preference.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Women who reside in Hawaii and plan to attend university in the state can apply for this award. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This grant is available to Hawaii residents and students. Applicants must be enrolled in at least six credits and must demonstrate financial need through their Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Available to native Hawaiian students, this grant supports learners who demonstrate financial need and who attend a school in the University of Hawaii system.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Available to students attending community college in Hawaii, this grant supports learners who demonstrate significant financial need.

Amount: Up to $4,000

Who Can Apply: Awarded to at-risk students in Hawaii, this grant program supports high school learners who demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Available to Hawaii residents who demonstrate financial need, this grant helps offset the cost of tuition at state colleges and universities.

Amount: Varies

Accreditation is one of the most reliable methods for evaluating schools and programs. Accreditation indicates that a school or program meets industry or regional educational and professional standards. Accreditation also demonstrates to employers that graduates possess the skills and training necessary to succeed in the workplace. Additionally, many types of financial aid are only available to students at accredited institutions.

Since accrediting bodies vary by industry and location, learners should research which agencies evaluate schools and programs in their field and region.

Online learning helps improve the accessibility of higher education throughout the nation. In addition to reducing constraints related to geographic location, online programs often provide flexible scheduling options for students with personal and professional responsibilities. The following sections provide information about adult education in Hawaii and state initiatives to support these students.

The resources below provide additional information for learners researching online schools and colleges in Hawaii. The following websites provide state-specific information about online education.