Academics
-- Campus Catalog --Registration PriorityClosed ProgramsNursing, Education, Pharmacy Studies.
LimitationsPsychology, Communication, Kinesiology & Exercise Science. Students whose first language is not English may be required to take English language placement tests and English as a Second Language classes if they do not have a TOEFL score of 600 (paper) or 100 (Internet) or an IELTS score of 7.0.
Notable Academic Programs- Hawaiian Studies - The program provides a unique educational opportunity for students interested in Hawaiian culture, history, music, biology, geography, dance, and language and linguistics.
- Marine Sciences - UH Hilo's island location in the Pacific makes it an ideal place to study marine sciences. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the world’s oceans and an appreciation of the importance of marine ecosystems to the global environment and human life. The mission is accomplished through a combination of hands-on laboratory and field experience, inquiry-based instruction, and direct interactive learning and is supported by a broad background in the marine sciences, including basic knowledge of the natural science disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and mathematics.
- Geology - Hilo’s unique natural setting on the slope of an active volcano makes it an ideal place to experience firsthand the scientific and dynamic aspects of geology.
- Astronomy - The astronomy program leverages the astronomy infrastructure of Mauna Kea and the University Park of Science and Technology to provide students with knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, and training in modern methods of observational astronomy.
Unique Academic Programs
- Hawaiian Studies - The program provides a unique educational opportunity for students interested in Hawaiian culture, history, music, biology, geography, dance, and language and linguistics.
- Japanese Studies - The Japanese Studies program offers a broad range of coursework and research opportunities for students that is designed to develop an understanding of Japan in all of its dimensions: culture, society, language, art, political science, history, music, and others.
- Marine Sciences - UH Hilo's island location in the Pacific makes it an ideal place to study marine sciences. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the world’s oceans and an appreciation of the importance of marine ecosystems to the global environment and human life. The mission is accomplished through a combination of hands-on laboratory and field experience, inquiry-based instruction, and direct interactive learning and is supported by a broad background in the marine sciences, including basic knowledge of the natural science disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and mathematics.
- Geology - Hilo’s unique natural setting on the slope of an active volcano makes it an ideal place to experience firsthand the scientific and dynamic aspects of geology.
- Astronomy - The astronomy program leverages the astronomy infrastructure of Mauna Kea and the University Park of Science and Technology to provide students with knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, and training in modern methods of observational astronomy.
Undergraduate Majors Open to NSE Students
Agriculture: Agricultural Sciences, Animal Sciences, Aquaculture, Horticulture, Plant Science
Anthropology: Anthropology
Area Studies: Hawaiian Studies, Japanese Studies
Art/Design/Fine Art: Art
Athletics: Exercise Science
Biological Sciences: Biology/Life Science, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology
Business: Accounting, Business, Business Administration
Chemistry: Chemistry
Communications: Communication
Criminal Justice: Administration of Justice
Earth Sciences: Astronomy, Geology
English: English, Linguistics
Environmental Studies: Environmental Sciences
Foreign Language: Hawaiian
General Studies: Gender Studies, Liberal Studies, Natural Sciences
Geography and Urban Studies: Geography
Geology: Geology
Health and Safety Sciences: Kinesiology
History: History
Information Studies: Computer Science
Marine Sciences: Marine Sciences
Mathematics: Mathematics
Performing Arts: Theater Arts/Drama
Philosophy/Religious Studies: Philosophy
Physics: Physics
Political Science: Political Science
Psychology: Psychology
Sociology/Social Work: Sociology, Women and Gender Studies
Tuition / Fees
-- Campus Budget --
- Fees are subject to change without notice.
- Two semesters = one academic year
- Three quarters = one academic year
Tuition and Fees Per Semester - Host Payment (Plan A) Students
- Figures are current as of 05/15/19.
- Estimated cost: $3896.
- Expect 5-15% increase for the subsequent academic year.
- Figures are based on 15 hours. Actual costs may be greater or less depending upon your actual enrollment.
- Figures do not include costs you will incur for course specific enrollment (e.g., laboratory courses, student teaching, studio art)
- See below for credit hour restrictions and/or miscellaneous fees applicable to Host Payment (Plan A) students.
Tuition and Fees - Home Payment (Plan B) Students
- No tuition/fees are paid to the host campus.
- Figures do not include costs you will incur for course specific enrollment (e.g., laboratory courses, student teaching, studio art)
- See below for credit hour restrictions and/or miscellaneous fees applicable to Home Payment (Plan B) students.
Maximum Credit Hours Per Semester
- Host Payment (Plan A): 18
- Home Payment (Plan B): 18
Miscellaneous Fees - Per Semester
Figures are current as of 05/15/19.
| Purpose |
Amount |
Period |
Plan |
Status |
| Application Fee |
$50 |
Year |
Plan A & B |
Mandatory |
| NSE Program Fee |
$65 |
Year |
Plan A & B |
Mandatory |
| Housing Deposit |
$200 |
Year |
Plan A & B |
Mandatory |
| ID Card |
$10 |
Year |
Plan A & B |
Mandatory |
| Parking Fee |
$25 |
Year |
Plan A & B |
Optional |
| Orientation Fee |
$50 |
Semester |
Plan A & B |
Optional |
Exchange with Canada - Health Insurance
Students must purchase campus health insurance at $1,400 per semester.
Financial Aid
Host Payment (Plan A)
For Plan A U.S. students, aid is awarded by and disbursed from your host campus.
Students apply for federally funded financial aid by using the FAFSA code of their host campus.
Host campuses award aid to eligible incoming Plan A students on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.
Ask your home campus NSE coordinator if your campus awards aid to their own outgoing students. If so, do not apply for aid from your host campus.
For eligible Plan A applicants U.S. federal financial aid may be available in the following programs:
Use FAFSA CODE: 001611
Home Payment (Plan B)
For eligible Plan B students, aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.
Canada
Regardless of Payment Plan, students exchanging to or from Canada, apply for financial aid at their home campus.
Room / Meals
Figures are current as of 05/15/19
On-Campus Housing Per Semester
- 16% living on campus
- Suite: $3150
- Per semester unless otherwise noted
- On campus living encouraged
Off-Campus Housing
- Approximate monthly cost: $700
- Proximity to campus: less than 1 mile
- Local Public Transportation Available to Campus
Notes About HousingHale 'Alahonua, the newest residence hall on campus, is the most common assignment. It is suite-style living and is approximately $3,150 for a single room and add a meal plan of your choice. More affordable options, as low as $1,772 for a shared room and add a meal plan, are possible, but less likely.
Meal Plans Per Semester
- Meal purchase is required for on campus living.
- $2352.00 per semester for 7 meals per week.
- $2553.00 per semester for 10 meals per week.
- $2726.00 per semester for 14 meals per week.
Notes About Meal PlansAll Students assigned to Hale Kanilehua, Hale Kauanoe, Hale
`Alahonua, and Hale Kehau are required to be on a Meal Plan.
Plan A: 7 All-You-Care-to-Eat Meals/Week
+ 500 Flex Points
$2,352.00/semester
Plan B: 10 All-You-Care-to-Eat Meals/Week
+ 450 Flex Points
$2,553.00/semester
Plan C: 14 All-You-Care-to-Eat Meals/Week
+325 Flex Points
$2,726.00/semester
Plan D: (Hale Alahonua Residents ONLY):175 meals per semester plus $300 in points
$2,553.00/semester
* The information, terms and conditions in the Housing
brochure are part of the application contract for on-campus
student housing at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo for the
academic year.
All cost figures and dates listed are subject to change with
30 day’s notice.
