Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Hawaii 2025
Hawaii residents can find affordable online bachelor's degree programs at three different University of Hawaii locations, or at schools across the United States West Coast.
Students in the Aloha State have a few options for completing affordable bachelor's degrees online, with many others available in neighboring states. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program allows residents of Hawaii to apply as residents at over 170 public universities and colleges.
The University of Hawaii offers some of the cheapest online bachelor's degree programs for distance learners. Keep reading below to see what programs they offer and which school may be right for you.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Hawaii?
An online degree will generally be cheaper than an on-campus one. The cheapest online bachelor's degree in Hawaii costs $218.50 per credit hour, but with only three options within the state, Hawaiians may want to look to the west coast for other affordable online bachelor's degree programs.
Your overall cost will depend on many factors, including whether you work part-time or full-time, have transfer credits, or attend a public or private school. For example, tuition at Hawaii Pacific, a private university with online programs, is $1,491 per credit hour.
Choosing a public school with affordable online bachelor's degree programs will significantly reduce costs � you should also research cheap online colleges that accept financial aid.
Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Hawaii
Online education programs allow Hawaii residents to complete their bachelor's degree remotely in many different fields. Take a look at the schools below and see if one of these affordable online colleges is right for you.
1. University of Hawaii Maui College
University of Hawaii (UH) Maui is the cheapest option on our list. Lower-level courses are $131 per credit hour for residents, while 300- and 400-level classes are $306 per credit hour.
UH Maui offers an online degree in applied business and information technology. This 16-week course is designed for students who have already completed the first two years of coursework.
Average in-state tuition: $218.50 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $595.50 per credit hour
Financial aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), federal work-study program, scholarships, and loans
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
2. University of Hawaii West Oahu
Undergrad students can enroll at UH West Oahu to complete their college degrees without having to show up in person. Programs include business administration (focusing on accounting, finance, hospitality, and others), education, social sciences, and more.
West Oahu offers many certificate programs and is one of many quality online colleges with scholarships. Learn at your own pace through the low-cost benefit of online courses.
Average in-state tuition: $312 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $852 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, UH Opportunity Grant, four full-tuition scholarships, returning adult scholarships
Accreditation: WSCUC
3. University of Hawaii Manoa
UH Manoa is the last of our online schools in Hawaii, offering degree programs in economics, interdisciplinary studies, medical technology, special education, and women and gender studies. Some programs are designed for students with prior learning. For those with no college credits, the Aloha Pathways Online program allows students to complete general education requirements online through Leeward Community College.
Average in-state tuition: $480 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $1,398 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, Pacific Islander Opportunity Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Other Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.
Hawaii may only offer three online colleges with low tuition rates, but more are available in neighboring states. The schools below are part of the WUE program, meaning Hawaii residents can apply for in-state tuition or receive discounted rates. Searching for online colleges that accept Pell Grant and other scholarships can also help lower costs.
Boise State University
There are 13 online bachelor's degree programs at Boise State. Students can major in social work, project management, business administration, complete an RN-to-BSN program, and more.
Many programs are designed for students who have already earned 60 or more credit hours toward their degree. Students can work full-time or part-time on their degree, and some accelerated five- or seven-week programs are available.
Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, Boise State scholarships, Native American scholarship, honors scholarships
Accreditation: NWCCU
Montana State University Billings
Students at Montana State University Billings can complete an online bachelor's degree in business administration, liberal arts, criminal justice, and communications. The school offers fast and flexible schedules, with both weekend classes and accelerated courses in the summer and winter terms. Adult learners may be able to earn course credit from work experience or prior knowledge.
Average in-state tuition: $208.21 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $644.63 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, veteran tuition waivers and scholarships, Native American student scholarships,
Accreditation: NWCCU
University of Nevada Las Vegas
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers 41 online degree and certificate programs. Options include bachelor's degrees in anthropology, creative practice, cybersecurity, health care administration, and urban studies.
Master's students can pursue a degree in computer science, business administration, educational psychology, and more. Non-residents taking all online classes may be eligible for a tuition discount.
Average in-state tuition: $288.50 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $605.75 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, tuition waivers for Native American students and Nevada foster youth students
Accreditation: NWCCU
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs offers 11 different online bachelor's programs. Many charge $435 per credit hour for in-state students, but the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is the cheapest, at $367 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Other programs include criminal justice, social work, and elementary education. Twelve master's programs are also available.
Average in-state tuition: $436.90 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $619.45 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, scholarships, and grants
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
University of Alaska Anchorage
Earn your online bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) in one of the following:
- history
- political science
- psychology
- human services
- applied technologies leadership
- nursing
Other programs are available, with both synchronous and asynchronous classes. UAA's distance learning program also offers programs to complete an online associate degree, master's, or doctorate. As of 2022, all students taking online courses will receive in-state tuition, whether they are residents or not.
Average in-state tuition: $258 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $824 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, tuition waiver for Alaska residents age 65 or older, Alaska Education grant, institutional and private scholarships
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
The University of New Mexico
University of New Mexico offers 13 online bachelor's degrees, including radiologic science, psychology, Native American studies, and many others.
Accelerated online programs are offered in eight-week formats, and include subjects like instructional technology and training, community health education, and business administration. Accelerated online programs cost $394.80 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students, with no additional fees.
Average in-state tuition: $283.46 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $1,047.44 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, military tuition assistance, federal work-study programs, scholarships and grants
Accreditation: HLC
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Students at this online school can complete their degrees in aviation and aerospace management, English, integrative health care, marketing, sociology and more. Hybrid options are also available. Grads of these programs will be ready to pursue in-demand jobs in a variety of fields.
Hawaii students applying through the WUE program can get a discounted rate of $630.80 per credit hour, plus fees.
Average in-state tuition: $420.50 per credit hour
Average out-of-state tuition: $956.50 per credit hour
Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, promise programs, scholarships, grants
Accreditation: HLC
How We Rank Schools
Whatever your career goals, choosing the right online college is a big decision. That's why we used the following criteria to carefully build our list of recommended schools.
- Accreditation: All of our schools are fully accredited, which means they must uphold strict educational requirements. Many are accredited by different institutions, but you can be confident in receiving a quality education from any of them.
- Affordability: College can be expensive, but all of our schools feature low tuition rates and extensive financial aid options. Complete your degree without loading up on student loan debt.
- Program reputation and quality: All of our schools are high-quality, recognized institutions. As a distance learner, you'll still be held to the same high standards as on-campus students.
- Online format: Each school offers several degree programs that you can complete 100% online. While some hybrid options are available, all schools offer at least one completely online degree program.
FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Hawaii
Whether you are a high school student or a working adult, choosing the right school to pursue your degree can be intimidating. Our FAQs below can help make the decision a little easier.
What Is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Hawaii?
Online learning is a great way to lower costs, and between our three University of Hawaii schools, you can expect to pay $336.83 per credit hour, on average. There are many ways to lower the cost of your education even more, including financial aid or finding online colleges that accept transfer credits.
What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?
The cheapest way to get a bachelor's degree is to apply for financial aid, take online classes from a public university, and find an accelerated program. Finishing some prerequisite classes before beginning your degree and applying for scholarships and grants will keep you from incurring debt. Finally, research online colleges with monthly payment plans.
Are Online Bachelor's Degrees Respected?
Yes, online bachelor's degrees are just as respected as those given to on-campus students. Your degree will not indicate whether you were in-person or online, and employers generally care more about the program you completed, your grade point average (GPA), and what skills and experience you gained in school.
What Is the Easiest BA Degree To Get Online?
The easiest bachelor's degree will depend on you, your interests, and your career goals. If you need more hands-on experience to succeed, then an online degree may not be best. But if you are focused, tech-savvy, and organized, you can pursue plenty of online bachelor's degree programs, from health science to human resources.
Find Online Degrees With Accreditation
Hawaii residents have several great options for completing their bachelor's degree online. Learn.org features several more quality, accredited schools that may be right for you. Start dates vary, so contact your chosen school today to discuss your plans.