3 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Hawaii 2025
Looking for flexible and affordable online degrees in Hawaii? Maintain your lifestyle and education goals with this list of the most affordable colleges.
Prospective students searching for affordable online degrees in Hawaii can explore various options.
This article showcases cost-effective nationwide online universities available for Hawaii residents, helping students access quality education without a hefty price tag.
List Affordable Degrees Online in Hawaii
For those looking for affordable online degrees in Hawaii, there are institutions that provide quality education without straining your wallet.
These universities offer a range of programs designed for different interests and career goals.
1. University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii provides accessible online bachelor's degree programs in different fields such as business administration, economics, and humanities.
Notably, their Bachelor of Arts in economics program, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), can be completed in four years.
This program equips students with vital skills in critical thinking, communication, and economic literacy, comprising 120 credit hours with each three-credit course priced at $1,413.
2. Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers different options to get an affordable online bachelor's degree in subjects like business administration, criminal justice, and psychology.
Their Bachelor of Arts in business administration program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation and is accredited by WASC. The standard tuition rate per credit hour stands at $585.
The program equips graduates with essential business knowledge including effective communication, strategy development, and international business.
3. Hawaii Pacific University
Hawaii Pacific University offers online bachelor's degree options in different fields, including business administration, cybersecurity, and criminal justice.
As an example, their BS in cybersecurity program has 120 credit hours and is designed to equip students to craft robust cybersecurity solutions across various industries.
Prospective students should note a one-time $45 application fee, with regular tuition costs at $1,355 per credit hour for part-time students or a flat rate of $16,260 per semester for full-time students.
Other Colleges Offering Online Programs
In addition to the previously mentioned Hawaii-based institutions, there are numerous universities across the nation that offer affordable online programs to Hawaii residents, providing them with a wide range of educational opportunities.
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers an online Bachelor of Science in general studies accredited by the SACSCOC.
This program consists of 120 credit hours designed to be completed in four years. Students can tailor their degree by selecting two concentrations in areas like sexuality studies, political sciences, and communication.
What sets the university apart is its prior learning assessment program, allowing students to expedite graduation to just two years, saving both time and money.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University provides numerous affordable online bachelor's programs, offering students the flexibility to align their studies with their goals.
For instance, the Bachelor of Science in accountancy is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and consists of 120 credit hours.
These credits are divided into 40 classes, each lasting seven and a half weeks. Non-resident students enrolling full-time with 12 credit hours pay $8,277 per semester in tuition.
Penn State University
Penn State University offers different affordable online bachelor's degree options, including a Bachelor of Arts in history.
This program consists of 123 credit hours and covers critical historical aspects such as environmental history, history of mental illness, and constitutional history.
Tuition costs vary based on the number of credits a student has earned. Those with fewer than 60 credits pay $626 per credit hour, while students with 60 or more credits pay $671.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University provides various alternatives to obtain an online bachelor's degree, including the Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
This program is made of 120 total credit hours, with a tuition rate of $330 per credit hour.
The university offers cost-saving opportunities by allowing students to transfer up to 90 credits from previous courses. Additionally, it's important to note that there are no application fees or SAT score requirements.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers more than 20 online bachelor's degree programs, with some of the most solicited options including a BS in psychology, a BA/BS in criminal justice, and a BA in anthropology.
The BS in psychology program consists of 120 credit hours and can typically be completed in four years.
Out-of-state students can expect to pay $715.80 in tuition, but they have the opportunity to reduce costs by transferring applicable prior course credits.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a variety of affordable online bachelor's degrees in fields like education, engineering, and behavioral sciences.
One program from the behavioral sciences department is the BS in human services, comprising 120 credit hours and attainable within three to four years.
This program allows students to transfer up to 75 percent of total credits from previous courses, saving time and money. Tuition costs per credit hour are $390 for full-time students and $455 for part-time students.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland presents more than 30 online bachelor's degree options for students to choose from.
A popular and cost-effective choice is the Bachelor of Science in finance, requiring 120 credit hours with a cost of $499 per credit hour. Active military members benefit from a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.
To further assist students in managing expenses and time, the university permits the transfer of up to 90 credits from previous accredited courses toward this degree.
What Is the Average Tuition Cost for an Online Degree in Hawaii?
The average tuition cost for an online degree in Hawaii varies depending on factors like the university, the type of degree, and whether the student is a resident of Hawaii or not.
In general, Hawaii residents attending public universities in the state typically pay lower in-state tuition rates. On average the tuition for a bachelor's degree can range from $500 to $1,500 or more per credit hour.
How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?
To make an online degree more affordable, students need to consider applying for financial aid and scholarships, transferring existing college credits, and opting for in-state tuition rates.
Explore employer tuition assistance, budget wisely, and compare program costs. Be mindful of fees and seek financial advice when planning your educational finances.
Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:
- online universities that accept financial aid
- online universities that accept the Pell Grant
- online schools with no application fee
- online universities that accept transfer credits
- online universities with scholarships
- scholarships for online students
- online universities with payment plans
Is Online Degree Worth It?
There are many factors that determine the worth of an online degree. For people who want flexibility due to work or family obligations, it may be worth it because online programs are manageable and affordable.
Also, a lot of renowned universities provide degrees online that are accredited in the same way as their on-campus equivalents, ensuring academic excellence.
When determining whether an online degree is a good fit for your educational and career goals, it's important to do extensive research, think about your desired career path, and balance the advantages and disadvantages.
Start Your Degree Online Today
Start your education toward a brighter future today with the convenience and flexibility of online education. Review the top accredited and affordable online degrees in Hawaii and take the first step toward achieving your educational and career goals.