Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2025

Distance learning has become a popular academic option for students residing in Hawaii. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data reveals that nearly two-thirds (63.5%) of students in the state were enrolled in at least some distance education courses in 2023.

If you're interested in online education, you can find numerous reputable online degrees in Hawaii. Top schools offer online college programs at multiple academic levels and provide extras like flexible scheduling, financial aid, online student services, and accelerated learning.

Below, we'll highlight where you can find the best colleges online. We'll discuss which school offers the top online degrees and share some of the state's most popular majors. Our frequently asked questions provide more details about online colleges in Hawaii, including which schools offer the easiest pathways to admission.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Hawaii

Are you interested in Hawaii colleges that offer programs with fully online courses? Review the following list to learn where to find the best colleges online.

1. University of Hawai'i at Manoa

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa offers nearly a dozen fully online degrees. Students can choose from bachelor's and master's degrees in special education, kinesiology, medical technology, and economics. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is also available.

The university's online master's in nursing programs are ranked among the nation's top 20% by U.S. News & World Report. Enrollees can benefit from library access and other resources to navigate the learning experience. Nearly four out of five students (79%) make learning more affordable with scholarships and other financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,186

Out-of-State: $34,218

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $15,600

Out-of-State: $33,648

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

2. Chaminade University of Honolulu

The Flex Program at Chaminade University of Honolulu allows students to pursue online undergraduate degrees at their own pace. These programs, tailored for working adults, include associate degrees in criminology and liberal arts and bachelor's degrees in business administration and psychology. A special education program is offered for bachelor's degree seekers transferring from Leeward Community College.

Chaminade has been ranked among the nation's top 25 Best Value Schools and top 35 Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report. While traditional learners pay slightly less than $30,000 in tuition, online learners pay just $600 per credit hour. Nearly all students (99%) lower school costs with financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $29,970

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $26,040

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Private university

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

3. Hawai'i Pacific University

At Hawai'i Pacific University, students can choose from dozens of online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Undergraduate degrees are available in criminal justice, general business, homeland security, and human resource development. Graduate programs explore educational leadership, data science, and nursing practice.

U.S. News & World Report has included Hawai'i Pacific University on its top Regional Universities West list. Academic advising, tutoring, and library access can help learners excel in their studies. The university offers qualifying students thousands in scholarship dollars and all enrollees financial aid to lower costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $33,020

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $21,183

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 57%

Institution Type: Private university

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

4. University of Hawai'i�West Oahu

The University of Hawai'i�West Oahu offers fully online bachelor's degree completion programs for students who have finished lower-division coursework at UH West Oahu, UH community colleges, or another accredited institution outside the UH System. Subject areas include social sciences, education, public administration, creative media, and business administration.

The university has been ranked No. 3 among Top Public Schools and in the top 10 Regional Colleges West by U.S. News & World Report. Online learners enjoy student advising, library access, tutoring, workshops, and more. Nearly two thirds of students (72%) receive financial aid to reduce costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,584

Out-of-State: $20,544

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Other Featured Online Schools

Whether you want to pursue an online master's degree or enroll in a bachelor's or doctoral program, you can find great options in Hawaii. But did you know that top programs are also available in other parts of the country? Review the following list to discover schools outside of Hawai'i.

Strayer University

Strayer University offers online associate degrees in accounting, marketing, and information technology; bachelor's programs in criminal justice and health services administration; and master's degrees in public administration, cybersecurity, and management. The Princeton Review has ranked its online MBA as one of the best in the nation. Enrollees enjoy affordable tuition and academic support such as a writing center and online tutoring.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers over 600 online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in physical education, social work, paralegal studies, nutrition, healthcare administration, and beyond. Enrollees benefit from library access, an online writing center, and academic advising. They can also enjoy eight annual program start dates and an affordable tuition rate that hasn't increased in years.

Louisiana State University

Individuals interested in a vast selection of online degrees can find great options at Louisiana State University. The institution offers over 150 online undergraduate and graduate degrees in liberal arts, sports administration, mathematics, industrial engineering, English, and more. Prospective students can choose from six annual start dates. Enrollees pay in-state tuition fees regardless of residency.

How We Rank Schools

Our team picked the schools in the rank list above using a thorough vetting process backed by NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Every institution has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Reputation: We confirmed that the colleges and universities in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as student outcomes and retention rates.
• Accreditation: These Hawaii schools have received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Affordability: The institutions in this list offer financial aid, scholarships, or reduced tuition to help students afford school expenses.
• Online learning resources: These schools support distance learners with success coaching, academic advising, online tutoring, and other resources.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Hawaii

All learning formats have benefits and downsides�distance learning is no exception. If you're interested in enrolling in a program at one of the accredited online colleges in Hawaii, explore the pros and cons of their degrees.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Class flexibility: Many schools offer online classes with flexible schedules, enabling students to learn anytime, day or night.
• Learn on the go: Online programs allow students to access learning materials on a digital learning platform from any location with internet access.
• Find more programs: Distance learners can pick programs outside their city and enjoy a broader selection of degrees.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Self-discipline required: Students taking asynchronous courses must be comfortable managing their lesson reviews, assignment submissions, and other course requirements.
• Technological knowledge needed: Online learners should have the technical skills to utilize distance learning platforms.
• Isolation: Remote students sometimes struggle to create the same personal connections with instructors and classmates as in-person learners.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Hawaii

Picking an online school to attend in Hawaii is not a decision to be made in haste. You want to look for regionally and nationally accredited online colleges approved by organizations with U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognition that offer your preferred degree program.

Do you have budget limitations? Consider institutions that offer scholarships, grants, or lower tuition. Also, gauge school reputations by examining graduation rates, student outcomes, or accolades.

Find out which institutions offer online services like free tutoring or easy community college credit transfers. Before applying, confirm that you qualify for enrollment by researching high school GPA, test scores, and other admission requirements.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Hawaii Cost?

The amount students pay to earn an online degree in Hawaii depends on factors such as enrollment status (part-time or full-time) and residency (in-state or out-of-state). On average, students pay close to $900 per credit to earn an online bachelor's degree from a private school in Hawaii. Degrees from public schools commonly cost less.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Hawaii More Affordable

Enrolling at a school offering affordable online degrees in Hawaii is one of the easiest ways to keep tuition costs low. You can also apply to schools that grant credits for prior learning to reduce the time needed to earn a degree.

Many students also take advantage of financial aid offerings. NCES data shows that 77.6% of full-time, first-time students in Hawaii received financial aid in the 2022-23 academic year. Review the list below to discover schools accepting FAFSA and offering other ways to save.

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Hawaii Scholarships & Grants

Grants and scholarships help students pay for college degrees without the burden of repaying the funds received. If you're looking for ways to cover school costs in Hawaii, consider the awards below.

Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships

More than 300 scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees from colleges and universities. Applicants must be Hawaii residents, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: February 28 (for HCF Common Scholarship Application); March 14 (for letters of recommendation)

Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation

These scholarships help Hawaiian students interested in business careers pursue undergraduate higher education at any accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must be high school seniors or college enrollees.

Award Amount: $5,000 annually

Deadline: February 25

Ambassador of Aloha Scholarships

These awards are for high school seniors or full-time undergraduates attending an accredited college. Applicants must be Hawaii residents with a 3.0 GPA and participate in a qualifying sport.

Award Amount: $1,000 to $4,000 each

Deadline: March 1

Top Majors for Hawaii Graduates

Do you want to enroll at a Hawaiian college but don't yet have a major? Consider the following top majors for Hawaii graduates.

• Psychology: Students learn to use psychological theories to explain human behavior. Bachelor's degrees qualify students for social work and counseling roles, and graduate programs prepare students for psychologist licensure.
• Criminal justice/safety studies: Programs explore criminal behavior, the American court system, and how to keep the public safe. Bachelor's degrees help students become paralegals, correctional officers, and forensic specialists.
• Business administration and management: This major teaches how to lead and manage business operations and explores finance, marketing, and accounting concepts. Bachelor's degree holders can start careers as sales managers, compliance officers, and business consultants.
• Computer science: Students in bachelor's degree programs learn programming languages, operating systems, and algorithms as they prepare for careers as computer systems analysts, web developers, and database administrators.
• Criminal justice/law enforcement administration: This program teaches the ins and outs of criminal behavior, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. A bachelor's degree helps learners qualify for roles as criminal investigators, court officers, and criminologists.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Hawaii

Are you ready to start your distance learning journey? Review the following FAQs to learn more about Hawaii online colleges.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Hawaii?

Completing a traditional online program takes about four years for a bachelor's degree and two or three years for a master's degree; however, you can find accelerated online degrees in Hawaii that help learners complete their studies in a fraction of the time. When searching for accelerated programs, look for schools offering five- or six-week courses, ongoing enrollment, or transfer-friendly policies.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in Hawaii?

Gaining admission to accredited colleges online is easiest at institutions with higher admission rates. In Hawaii, you have a better chance of getting into schools like Chaminade University of Honolulu, which has a 93% admission rate, and the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, which has a 96% admission rate.

How Can I Find the Online Program Options at Hawaii Colleges?

Institutions often feature online college programs alongside traditional degrees; however, online degrees sometimes have a separate website. When searching for online programs, look for alternate labels like distance education or distance learning.

Are There Any Affordable Online MBAs at Colleges in Hawaii?

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa offers the Executive MBA distance learning program from the Shidler College of Business. This two-year program is available mostly online and costs about $25,000 annually. Several scholarships are available to lower the cost of tuition.

Discover Online Degree Programs and Enrollment Options in Hawaii

If you're ready to begin a fulfilling experience in online higher education, explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Get more information about online colleges in Hawaii and how they can help you get closer to your educational goals.