Best Private Colleges in Hawaii
While Hawaii is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, it also offers a variety of prestigious private educational institutions. The unique blend of Western and Polynesian influences creates a holistic educational environment that is hard to find anywhere else. This article delves into some of the top private colleges in Aloha State.
Brigham Young University – Hawaii
Located in the town of Laie on Oahu’s north shore, BYU-Hawaii offers a diverse, spiritually driven learning experience.
Information About Private Programs
BYU-Hawaii is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and offers arts, humanities, business, science, and intercultural peacebuilding programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual tuition is approximately $5,400. The university enrolls around 3,200 students; the typical SAT score range is 1030-1220.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Found in the heart of Honolulu, Chaminade boasts a unique blend of professional and liberal arts programs.
Information About Private Programs
Chaminade offers behavioral sciences, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and nursing degrees.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition averages around $25,500. Approximately 2,100 students are enrolled, with an SAT range of 980-1180.
Hawaii Pacific University
In Honolulu, HPU is Hawaii’s largest private university, known for its diverse student population.
Information About Private Programs
HPU provides business, health science, humanities, social sciences, and more courses. Its marine science program is remarkably esteemed.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition stands at about $27,000 annually. The university boasts around 4,300 enrolled students, with an SAT score range of 1020-1230.
University of Phoenix – Hawaii
Offering flexible learning opportunities, the University of Phoenix’s Hawaii campus caters to adult learners and professionals.
Information About Private Programs
The university focuses on business, education, nursing, and technology programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual cost is around $9,480. The exact enrollment figures and SAT range for the Hawaii campus are not consistently published, but the university prioritizes accessibility for adult learners.
Pacific Rim Christian University
In Honolulu, Pacific Rim Christian University emphasizes a Christ-centered education and leadership development.
Information About Private Programs
The university offers theology, biblical studies, ministry leadership, and worship arts degrees.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition is roughly $12,100. The university is relatively small, with approximately 200 students.
Best Private Colleges in Three Other States
Best Private Colleges in California
Prominent institutions include Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, and the Claremont Colleges.
Best Private Colleges in Nevada
The top choices encompass Sierra Nevada University and Touro University Nevada.
Best Private Colleges in Texas
Texas boasts Rice University, Baylor University, and Southern Methodist University.
What’s on the SAT?
The SAT is a widely recognized college admission test. It assesses students’ skills in reading, writing, and math. The main sections include Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, which covers Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. Students can also take the SAT with the essay, though many colleges have moved away from requiring it. The SAT emphasizes problem-solving, command of evidence, and real-world contexts.
Hawaii’s private colleges offer unique learning experiences infused with the state’s rich culture and diverse community. From faith-based programs to specialized professional degrees, students in Hawaii can access a world-class education amidst the Pacific’s breathtaking beauty.
