University of Hawaii at Manoa

With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 130 majors, UH Manoa is a comprehensive research university where students can study everything from traditional Hawaiian language to cutting-edge astronomy. The most popular majors are psychology, marketing, and nursing, but the school shines in niche areas like oceanography, tropical agriculture, and—unsurprisingly—travel industry management. The Shidler College of Business’s international business program ranks in the top 25 nationally, drawing students keen on Asia-Pacific commerce. Graduation rates sit at 59-64%, though the four-year rate has climbed sharply from 29% in 2016 to 39.7% in 2021—a sign of improving student support.

Campus culture here is relaxed—think board shorts, slippers (flip-flops), and a ‘hang loose’ attitude that permeates everything from classroom discussions to club meetings. Students describe the vibe as inclusive and interconnected, with over 200 student organizations celebrating Hawaii’s multicultural roots. While Greek life exists, it’s low-key compared to mainland schools. The real social scene? Beaches, hikes, and spontaneous ukulele jam sessions. One Reddit user summed it up: ‘8/10—everyone, from faculty to students, is kind and understanding.’ Just don’t expect raucous football games; the Rainbow Warriors’ biggest draw might be their volleyball team.

Within a year of graduation, UH Manoa alumni earn median salaries of $40,620—slightly above the national average—climbing to $58,896 after five years. The six-year graduation rate ranges from 59-64%, though this masks significant improvements: the four-year rate surged 83% between 2010 and 2016. STEM and business graduates tend to outperform peers, with Shidler College alumni often landing roles in Honolulu’s tourism and finance sectors. That said, many students prioritize quality of life over corporate ladder-climbing; it’s common to meet grads working in marine conservation, hospitality, or education while surfing before work.

In-state tuition is a bargain at $12,186, but out-of-state students pay nearly triple that. Fortunately, 79% of students receive some form of aid, with average grants totaling $6,256. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.—$13,639 to $14,557 after aid—is manageable for a university with robust research facilities. Notably, 67% get grant money (not loans), and 61% secure school-specific grants averaging $4,454. The financial aid office is known for helping students navigate Hawaii’s high cost of living, offering work-study gigs at places like the Waikiki Aquarium or astronomy labs atop Mauna Kea.

UH Manoa is the only U.S. university where you can study coral reef ecology on a coral reef, take a hula class for credit, and attend astronomy lectures taught by researchers using telescopes on Mauna Kea. Its location in Honolulu—a hub for Pacific trade, tourism, and environmental science—means internships at places like Pearl Harbor or the East-West Center are part of the curriculum. The campus itself is a botanical garden dotted with palm trees and open-air classrooms, where ‘aloha Fridays’ mean professors might teach in floral shirts. For students who want rigorous academics without the cutthroat competition—and don’t mind trading snow for year-round surf—this is the ultimate ‘work hard, play hard’ school.