About

About University of Hawaii at Hilo

doctoral programssmall class sizeshealth sciences focusaccessible admissions

University of Hawaii at Hilo is a public university in Hilo, HI, known for its doctoral programs, small class sizes, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 84%, University of Hawaii at Hilo is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 392 students each year. University of Hawaii at Hilo is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 960–1200, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. University of Hawaii at Hilo offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,082 per year; the sticker price of $34,362 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Hawaii at Hilo acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

84%
Overall Accept Rate
1080
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 960 – 1200 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Hawaii at Hilo

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
If you have any connection to Hawaii, Native Hawaiian heritage, or Pacific Islander communities, weave that into your personal statement or additional information section. UH Hilo deeply values its role in serving these communities and applicants who reflect that connection stand out.
Application Strategy
UH Hilo sits on the Big Island near some of the world's best marine and volcanic research environments, so if you are applying to marine science, astronomy, or environmental science programs, mention specific research or facilities like the Hawaii Ocean Time-series or the Mauna Kea observatories that genuinely interest you.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Hawaii at Hilo actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$34k/yr$9.0k
30k-48k~$34k/yr$9.2k
48k-75k~$34k/yr$11.5k
75k-110k~$34k/yr$14.7k
110k+~$34k/yr$17.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

42%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$37k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,227
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Hawaii at Hilo Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch