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2023 Most Popular Schools in Hawaii

21 Schools Ranked
$42,589 Average Earnings
$23,422 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Schools in Hawaii ranking. This report analyzed 21 schools in Hawaii to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, Hawaii
4,461 Total Awards
$42,927 Average Earnings
$21,643 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Hawaii at Manoa to be the most popular school for students in Hawaii. University of Hawaii at Manoa is a fairly large public school located in Honolulu, Hawaii that handed out 4,461 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,643 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $332, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UH Manoa graduates make an average of $42,927 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Hawaii at Manoa Report

#2

Leeward Community College

Pearl City, Hawaii
1,293 Total Awards
$29,405 Average Earnings
$14,271 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 21 schools in Hawaii that were part of this year’s ranking, Leeward Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Leeward CC is a medium-sized public school situated in Pearl City, Hawaii. It awarded 1,293 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,271 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Leeward CC graduates make an average of $29,405 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

Kapiolani Community College

Honolulu, Hawaii
1,084 Total Awards
$42,781 Average Earnings
$16,088 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Kapiolani Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Hawaii. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,084 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,088 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Kapiolani CC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,781 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Kapiolani Community College

#4

Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu, Hawaii
777 Total Awards
$40,963 Average Earnings
$20,890 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 21 schools in Hawaii that were part of this year’s ranking, Hawaii Pacific University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Hawaii Pacific University is located in Honolulu, Hawaii and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 777 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $20,890 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hawaii Pacific University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,963 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Hawaii Pacific University

775 Total Awards
$39,336 Average Earnings
$22,082 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of Hawaii at Hilo is a great place for students. UH Hilo is a small public school situated in Hilo, Hawaii. It awarded 775 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,082 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UH Hilo graduates make an average of $39,336 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on University of Hawaii at Hilo

759 Total Awards
$31,337 Average Earnings

Brigham Young University - Hawaii ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Hawaii list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Laie, Hawaii, and it awarded 759 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from BYU - H, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,337 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Brigham Young University - Hawaii

#7

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu, Hawaii
756 Total Awards
$55,089 Average Earnings
$12,126 Avg Student Debt

Honolulu Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Hawaii list. Honolulu CC is a small public school situated in Honolulu, Hawaii. It awarded 756 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,126 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Honolulu CC graduates make an average of $55,089 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 26% were women.

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706 Total Awards
$37,094 Average Earnings
$24,159 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, University of Hawaii - West Oahu did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UH West Oahu is a public institution located in Kapolei, Hawaii. The school has a small population, and it awarded 706 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,159 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UH West Oahu graduates make an average of $37,094 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full University of Hawaii - West Oahu Report

653 Total Awards
$46,411 Average Earnings
$22,683 Avg Student Debt

Chaminade University of Honolulu ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Hawaii list. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 653 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,683 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $454, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Chaminade University of Honolulu, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,411 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full Chaminade University of Honolulu Report

572 Total Awards
$47,986 Average Earnings
$19,825 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, University of Hawaii Maui College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UH Maui College is a public institution located in Kahului, Hawaii. The school has a small population, and it awarded 572 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,825 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from UH Maui College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,986 during the early years of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

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#11

Hawaii Community College

Hilo, Hawaii
530 Total Awards
$36,268 Average Earnings
$13,800 Avg Student Debt

Hawaii Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Hawaii ranking. Located in Hilo, Hawaii, the small public school awarded 530 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,800 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hawaii CC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,268 during the early years of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Hawaii Community College

#12

Kauai Community College

Lihue, Hawaii
307 Total Awards
$60,307 Average Earnings
$13,972 Avg Student Debt

Kauai Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. Kauai CC is located in Lihue, Hawaii and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 307 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $13,972 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Kauai CC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,307 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read More…

#13

Windward Community College

Kaneohe, Hawaii
279 Total Awards
$26,285 Average Earnings
$14,810 Avg Student Debt

Windward Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Windward CC is a small public school situated in Kaneohe, Hawaii. It awarded 279 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,810 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Windward CC graduates make an average of $26,285 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on Windward Community College

#14

Hawaii Medical College

Honolulu, Hawaii
215 Total Awards
$31,596 Average Earnings
$12,415 Avg Student Debt

Hawaii Medical College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Hawaii list. Honolulu, Hawaii is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 215 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,415 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $104, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Hawaii Medical College graduates make an average of $31,596 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Read full report on Hawaii Medical College

60 Total Awards
$11,365 Avg Student Debt

IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Hawaii ranking. IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage is a private for-profit institution located in Kahului, Hawaii. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 60 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage accumulate an average of $11,365 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Full IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage Report

56 Total Awards
$19,009 Average Earnings
$16,203 Avg Student Debt

Paul Mitchell the School Honolulu came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Hawaii ranking. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, the very small private for-profit school awarded 56 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Paul Mitchell the School Honolulu accumulate an average of $16,203 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $81 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Paul Mitchell the School Honolulu graduates make an average of $19,009 annually. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Paul Mitchell the School Honolulu Report

#17

University of Phoenix - Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii
52 Total Awards
$50,454 Average Earnings
$38,194 Avg Student Debt

University of Phoenix - Hawaii came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Hawaii ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and it awarded 52 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $38,194 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $147 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UOPX - Hawaii, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,454 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 10% were women.

Read full report on University of Phoenix - Hawaii

#18

Hawaii Institute of Hair Design

Honolulu, Hawaii
45 Total Awards
$19,311 Average Earnings
$10,392 Avg Student Debt

Hawaii Institute of Hair Design did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, the very small private for-profit school awarded 45 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,392 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Hawaii Institute of Hair Design graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $19,311 during the early year of their career. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Hawaii Institute of Hair Design Report

#19

Pacific Rim Christian University

Honolulu, Hawaii
33 Total Awards

Pacific Rim Christian University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. Pacific Rim Christian University is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Honolulu, Hawaii. It awarded 33 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Pacific Rim Christian University

14 Total Awards

Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Med landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. ICAOM is a private for-profit institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 14 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Read full report on Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Med

#21

Mauna Loa Helicopters

Kailua Kona, Hawaii
13 Total Awards

Mauna Loa Helicopters did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, the very small private for-profit school awarded 13 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 8% were women.

Read full report on Mauna Loa Helicopters

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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