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University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii

2,700 Students on Campus
Hilo Location
49,000 Metro Population
2,700 Students on Campus
Hilo Location
49,000 Metro Population

About This Campus

The University of Hawai'i at Hilo (UH Hilo) is located on the Big Island of Hawai'i, about 200 air miles from Honolulu. A seacoast city of 45,000 residents, Hilo spreads beneath Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes and is surrounded by lush agricultural fields and expansive forest reserves. Located in a tropical rainforest region, Hilo's climate has both ample sun and abundant rain. The Big Island's diverse geography provides a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing and diving. Special features include Volcanoes National Park, astronomy observatories on Mauna Kea, and access to unique marine life. The student population of about 2,700 is predominantly from Hawai'i and of Native Hawaiian and Asian descent, making UH Hilo one of the nation's most ethnically diverse campuses.

UH Hilo has ranked as one of the "Most Diverse National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report from 2020- 2025 of Best Colleges Rankings.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo was recognized as one of the top 300 universities in America on a national list in 2020.

10 of the 14 world climate zones exist on the island of Hawai'i.

Helpful Information

  • Home pay is difficult to get and students wanting home pay together is nearly impossible. If we have an outgoing student going to your campus, chances are a little better.

  • Please do your research on our campus and our community. Hilo is a small community and getting around may be difficult for some, but if there is a will, there is a way. Most students manage by either making friends, taking Uber's, renting cars, walking or taking advantage of our free weekend trips offered by Campus Adventures.

  • Living in the dorms is recommended. There are options for living off campus, but may be hard to get.

  • NSE students register after the rest of campus, but most students are able to get the classes they need. Classes are not guaranteed, and we appreciate your understanding.

  • The Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted within our campus and community, so please come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Location Information

Hilo is located on the Island of Hawai'i, commonly called "The Big Island," is about 200 air miles from the capital city of Honolulu. The nearest airport is located in Hilo, but has limited direct flights from the continental U.S.; most travelers enter Hawai'i through Honolulu and then take a short 50-minute flight to Hilo. Hilo is a rural community with limited public transportation, but has ample amenities, including shopping, dining and cultural attractions.

Academics

TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/25/2025 - Fall End Date: 12/19/2025

Spring Start Date: 01/12/2026 - Spring End Date: 05/15/2026

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Nursing, Pharmacy Studies and any course numbered 500 and above.

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Education

OPTIONS:

Honors Access: No

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away/Home Pay
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?Away
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - No
  • Accept Canadian students on J1 visa or F1 visa? - F1 Visa J1 Visa

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/19/2025
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Available
    Estimated cost: $4068
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
NSE Program Fee
$65
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
Admission Fee
$50
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
ID Card
$10
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
Orientation Fee
$0
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
IMPORTANT NOTES:

Orientation fee varies by year. Fall 2026: $148, Fall 2027: $178

Canadian students may incur additional fees relating to their student visa and services provided by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/19/2025
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $3308
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $0
  • Campus Meal Plans
Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Limited

This campus usually accepts less than 50% of students that request it. Be prepared to be placed at an alternative choice. If applying to a site with a 'limited' chance of placement, we suggest that you list a minimum of 3-5 campuses on your application, with one to two sites that have an OPEN or EXCELLENT chance of acceptance.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Most Competitive

This campus is one of the most requested and accepts fewer than 25% of applicants. You may apply to only one campus marked most competitive, and it must be listed as the first choice on their application. If you apply to this campus, we suggest you list a minimum of 3-5 alternate campuses, with one to two campuses that have an OPEN or EXCELLENT chance of acceptance.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: