Overview
Founded in 1947 as a night school and formally established as a four-year campus of the University of Hawaii system in 1970, UH Hilo has grown into a distinctive liberal arts and sciences institution set against the backdrop of Hawaii Island's volcanoes and rainforests. The university is particularly renowned for its Hawaiian language and Hawaiian studies programs, including the Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, one of the few institutions in the world offering a doctoral degree taught entirely in an indigenous language. It also benefits from proximity to the Mauna Kea observatories, giving its astronomy program unusual access to world-class research facilities.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Hilo, Hawaii |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Total students | 2,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 82% |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,832 |
| Room & board | $11,500 |
| Average financial aid | $9,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 920-1140 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.20 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Astronomy
- Hawaiian Language and Studies
- Marine Science
- Tropical Agriculture
- Pharmacy
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.