Quick Summary
Since 1907, University of Hawaii at Mānoa has been one of United States's prominent public land-grant research universitys, based in Honolulu. Ranked #421 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19074 students including 6.4% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Oceanography, Astronomy, Linguistics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 72%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier research institution for Pacific and Asian studies, world-class oceanography, and a unique multicultural environment in a tropical setting.
Subject Strengths
OceanographyAstronomyLinguisticsEarth and Marine SciencesMarine BiologyTravel and Tourism Management
Founded1907
TypePublic Land-grant Research University
Total Students19074
Intl Students6.4%
Faculty Ratio14:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size320 acres
Affiliated HospitalsThe Queen's Medical Center, Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#421
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#251–300
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301–400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
100 undergraduate, 85 graduate, 52 doctoral, 28 professional
Programs
52
PhD Programs
Available through University of Hawaii Online
Online Programs
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Institute for Astronomy, Hawaii Cancer Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate72%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional for most programs; required for specific graduate degrees
GMATRequired for Shidler College of Business graduate programs
SATOptional (Test-free/Test-optional policy)
ACTOptional (Test-free/Test-optional policy)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5 (Priority), March 1 (General)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1st
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight diverse experiences and interest in Pacific-specific research. International students should submit documentation early for visa processing.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$12,186/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$16,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$70
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$30,686/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 100 undergraduate, 85 graduate, 52 doctoral, 28 professional programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Oceanography | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Nursing | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Astronomy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement through Career Center and industry-specific hubs
Industry Connections
Strong links with NASANOAAState of Hawaii governmentand Pacific tourism boards
Notable Alumni
Barack Obama Sr., Bette Midler, Neil Abercrombie, Patsy Mink, Mazie Hirono
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Stan Sheriff Center, Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex
Student Clubs
200+
Library Resources
Hamilton Library, Sinclair Library, specialized Pacific collections
Exchange Programs
National Student Exchange (NSE), Study Abroad Center, Mānoa International Exchange (MIX)
Summer Programs
Available (Summer Sessions I and II)