University of Hawaii Hilo
Global perspectives, island heart.
📍 Hilo, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #329 in United States · QS World #1401
Quick Facts about University of Hawaii Hilo
- Type: Public
- Students: 3,539
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $20,304 – $21,218/year
- Language: English, Hawaiian
- Intakes: August, January
About University of Hawaii Hilo
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.
Information for International Students at University of Hawaii Hilo
University of Hawaii Hilo in Hilo, United States welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Hawaiian
Admissions Requirements for University of Hawaii Hilo
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Hawaii Hilo:
- IELTS minimum: 5.5
- TOEFL minimum: 61
- Duolingo minimum: 90
- GPA minimum: 2.7
- Application fee: $50
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Fall: July 1st (domestic), May 1st (international); Spring: December 1st (domestic), October 1st (international)
Programs at University of Hawaii Hilo (10 programs)
University of Hawaii Hilo offers 10 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (7)
- Environmental Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This interdisciplinary program examines environmental issues and solutions, integrating knowledge from biology, chemistry, geology, and social sciences.
Field: Environmental Studies
Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Policy Analyst - Astronomy (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students in this program study celestial objects, phenomena, and the universe as a whole, gaining a strong foundation in physics and observational techniques.
Field: Physical Sciences
Career outcomes: Astronomer, Research Scientist, Science Educator - Hawaiian Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
This program offers an in-depth exploration of Hawaiian language, history, culture, and contemporary issues, fostering cultural understanding and preservation.
Field: Ethnic Studies
Career outcomes: Cultural Educator, Community Organizer, Archivist - Geography (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore the spatial distribution of phenomena on Earth, including human activities and natural environments, using tools like GIS and remote sensing.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Geographic Information Systems Specialist, Urban Planner, Environmental Analyst - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines human behavior and mental processes, covering topics such as cognition, development, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist - Geology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program investigates the Earth's physical structure, substances, history, and the processes that act on it, including volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics.
Field: Physical Sciences
Career outcomes: Geologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Geoscientist - Mathematics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the study of abstract structures, quantity, space, and change.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary
Master Programs (2)
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the unique challenges of tropical ecosystems, preparing students for careers in conservation, research, and environmental management.
Field: Environmental Studies
Career outcomes: Conservation Scientist, Environmental Manager, Research Biologist - Education (MEd) — 24 months · English
This program prepares educators for leadership roles and advanced practice in various educational settings, focusing on curriculum development, pedagogy, and educational research.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Teacher
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Hawaii Hilo
Annual tuition for international students: $20,304 – $21,218/year
✅ University of Hawaii Hilo offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Hawaii Hilo
- National Ranking: #329 in United States
- QS World University Ranking: #1401
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at University of Hawaii Hilo
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
Key Highlights
- Unique island-based learning environment
- Diverse student body, global reach
- Strong hands-on research focus
- Specialized programs: pharmacy, conservation
- Robust international student support
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
- World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC)
- AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Notable Alumni
- Harry Kim
- Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam
- Pascale Pinner
- Patrick H. DeLeon
- Keone Nunes
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Hawaii Hilo
What is University of Hawaii Hilo?
University of Hawaii Hilo is a public university located in Hilo, United States. It has approximately 3,539 students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Hawaii Hilo?
Tuition fees at University of Hawaii Hilo for international students range from $20,304 – $21,218/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Hawaii Hilo?
IELTS minimum: 5.5. TOEFL minimum: 61. Duolingo minimum: 90. GPA minimum: 2.7. Application fee: $50. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Fall: July 1st (domestic), May 1st (international); Spring: December 1st (domestic), October 1st (international).
What language are courses taught in at University of Hawaii Hilo?
Courses at University of Hawaii Hilo are taught in English and Hawaiian. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.
How many programs does University of Hawaii Hilo offer?
University of Hawaii Hilo offers 10 programs: 7 Bachelor's, 2 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Hawaii Hilo ranked?
#329 in United States · QS World #1401.
Does University of Hawaii Hilo offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Hawaii Hilo offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
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