University of Hawaii Hilo

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a comprehensive regional university located in Hilo, Hawaii, United States. It offers a unique educational experience rooted in place, culture, and diversity, attracting students from across the Pacific, the continental U.S., and around the world. UH Hilo is recognized for its commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and providing a learning environment that embraces diversity.

Academics

UH Hilo offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various colleges, including Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management, Arts & Sciences, Business and Economics, Hawaiian Language, Natural and Health Sciences, and the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. The university emphasizes "hands-on" learning, encouraging close student-faculty interaction and collaboration on research projects, often utilizing Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural environment as a living laboratory. Notable programs include unique advanced degrees in pharmacy, counseling psychology, nursing, heritage management, tropical conservation biology, environmental sciences, and education.

International Students

International Student Services (ISS) at UH Hilo provides a holistic approach to assist international students with their academic, career, and personal goals, while also ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. The university is recognized as one of the most diverse four-year universities in the United States, with international students comprising approximately 2% to 8.6% of the student body, representing over 32 countries. Support services include counseling, a Host Family Program to connect students with local families, an International Buddy Program, and the International Student Association (ISA) which organizes cultural events and activities. English proficiency can be demonstrated through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other equivalent exams, with options for admission to the English Language Institute for those who do not meet direct entry requirements.

Campus & Location

Located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, the campus offers a unique setting with access to an active volcano, tropical forests, and world-class astronomy facilities. Hilo itself is the largest city on the island, offering farmers markets, stores, and beaches within a quick drive of the campus. Campus features include residence halls such as Hale 'Alahonua, Hale 'Ikena, Hale Kehau, and Hale Kanilehua, providing various affordable on-campus housing options. The university also has a Student Life Center with an Olympic-size pool, beach volleyball courts, and fitness classes.

Career Outcomes

UH Hilo is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with many programs collecting outcomes data on their graduates. For instance, the College of Business & Economics reported that 89% of their surveyed alumni were employed in a field related to their degree, with 90% finding employment within six months of graduation. The College of Pharmacy found that 95% of their 2016 alumni were employed in the field, and 77% of the Class of 2019 found employment in pharmacy within one year. The university emphasizes career pathways, networking, and professional growth, hosting internship fairs to connect students with local employers and provide valuable work experience. Graduates' median earnings one year after graduation are approximately $36,427, increasing to $45,519 five years after graduation.