Online Colleges in Hawaii
Top Online Programs
Despite being the seventh-smallest state in the U.S. and separated from the mainland by more than 2,000 miles, Hawaii boasts a strong higher education presence. Hawaiians enroll in postsecondary programs at a rate greater than the national average. Hawaii has seven community colleges, four public universities, and six private universities. Many offer online learning options ideal for busy individuals who cannot attend on-campus courses. In the following subsections, you'll find additional information on the state's job market, program majors to consider, the cost of attending top online colleges in Hawaii, and options available to help cover tuition expenses, including federal and state financial aid as well as third-party scholarships.
Job Outlook for Students with College Degrees in Hawaii
Hawaii boasts a lower unemployment rate than the national average, and Hawaiian workers earn an average of $2,000 more each year than the rest of the country.
According to a 2016 educational attainment study conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the number of college-educated Hawaiians outpaced the national average. 62.6% of Hawaiians over 25 reported "some college education," in comparison to the national average of 58.4%. The same study shows a clear correlation between higher education and a decreased unemployment rate. Between 2010 and 2014, individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher had an unemployment rate of only 2.9%, while those with some college or an associate degree faced a 5.6% unemployment rate. 8.4% of high school graduates with no college education were unemployed. Reported median earnings increased with educational attainment, as well.
In November 2018, just 10% of all jobs posted on Hawaii Workforce Infonet required only a high school diploma or equivalent. This data suggests that, overall, a better job market exists for Hawaiian residents with a college education.
Unemployment Rate, November 2018
| Hawaii | 2.4% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
Annual Mean Wage, May 2017
| Hawaii | $52,050 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
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Cost of Online Colleges in Hawaii
In the U.S., pursuing a college education requires a significant financial investment. The table below shows that the average tuition and fees for college in Hawaii are higher than the national average. Tuition for Hawaii community college online classes, however, generally costs less than comparable courses at a four-year university, making it worthwhile to consider starting at a more affordable community college and transferring to a four-year university.
Tuition for online classes in Hawaii is usually the same as on-campus course tuition, but online students save money because they do not pay for dining plans, transportation, campus technology, or facility use. Note the prices in the table below do not include additional student expenses for books, school supplies, or rent/housing. Additionally, the price of tuition and fees at individual institutions may vary, so make sure to research each of your prospective schools when calculating the costs of attendance.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2018-19
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $3,920 | $10,800 |
| U.S. Average | $3,660 | $10,230 |
Source: The College Board
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Hawaii
Distance learners frequently face the high costs of out-of-state tuition. Out-of-state prices are often more than double their in-state equivalents. While reciprocity agreements, student exchange programs, and good neighbor policies are exceptions to this rule, most public institutions charge nonresidents more. This price increase occurs largely because public institutions receive financial funding from state taxes, creating an incentive to provide state residents with more favorable tuition rates. Online programs in Hawaii generally adhere to this in-state/out-of-state division, meaning distance learners on the mainland may want to look closer to home in search of affordable rates.
Average Tuition and Fees, 2018-19
| Public Two-Year In-State | Public Four-Year Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $10,800 | $31,090 |
| U.S. Average | $10,230 | $26,290 |
Source: The College Board
Financial Aid in Hawaii
To help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, fill out the FAFSA online. Nearly every student finds themselves eligible for some form of federal aid, whether it be Pell Grants, subsidized or unsubsidized loans, or federal work-study programs. Students can also receive financial aid from state grants. However, as seen in the table below, Hawaii ranks near the bottom for state grants provided to undergraduates.
Most students in the U.S. fund their education through loans, both government and private, contributing to a significant nationwide student loan debt. Fortunately, some college graduates become eligible for loan forgiveness programs through their careers. Teachers working in low-income school districts and individuals employed full time by a government or nonprofit organization, for example, may qualify for a reduction in their loan totals after completing several consecutive years of service. Additionally, if you're currently working and planning to go to school, look to see if your employer participates in any tuition reimbursement programs.
State Grant Aid per Full-Time Equivalent Undergraduate Student, 2016-17
| Hawaii | $80 |
| U.S. Average | $820 |
Source: The College Board
Scholarships and Grants for Hawaii College Students
Many scholarships are available each year to students of accredited online colleges in Hawaii. Award committees consider factors like financial need, chosen major, ancestry, single parent status, and more. Here are a few scholarships to get your started:
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be of Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity with a minimum 2.7 high school GPA or GED and be enrolled as an undergraduate at an accredited U.S. institution.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Applicants, including education undergraduates, graduate students of any discipline who plan to teach, and certified teachers pursuing a graduate degree, must maintain a 3.5 GPA and full-time enrollment status.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: Graduates of Hawaii high schools interested in pursuing a business career, with a demonstrated commitment to leadership and community service, may apply. Eligible recipients receive $5,000 annually for up to four years.
Amount: $20,000
Who Can Apply: This scholarship, which awards full college tuition to 300 students each year, requires applicants to be Pell-Grant-eligible high school seniors of a minority ethnicity, with a 3.3 minimum GPA and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Through a single application, the Hawaii Community Foundation offers more than 200 annual scholarships for dozens of majors and all types of college students. Applicants must be Hawaii residents and submit personal statements and FAFSA results.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Available to traditional and nontraditional students alike, this scholarship, aimed at students who overcame great odds to pursue higher education, requires a 1000-word essay and two letters of recommendation.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry, enrolled at any University of Hawaii campus, have a 2.0 minimum GPA, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to nontraditional or first-generation students.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Created to provide financial assistance to students in early childhood education, PATCH tuition reimbursement scholarships are open to applicants enrolled in approved courses at many Hawaii institutions.
Amount: $750
Who Can Apply: More than 100 donor-funded scholarships representing a wide variety of college majors are available annually through the Pauahi Foundation. Application requirements vary depending on the award.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Hawaii residents with a 3.0 minimum GPA studying hotel/lodging management full time at an accredited university with junior or senior status may apply for this scholarship.
Amount: $1,000
Best Majors for Online Students in Hawaii
According to data gathered from the Hawaii State Department of Labor, nursing, social work, and finance saw the fastest growth rates of all occupations in Hawaii from 2008-2018, while industries including telecommunications, publishing, and agriculture saw some of the largest declines.
Hawaii schools offer many degrees geared toward these top industries. You can start on your career path by enrolling in Hawaii community college online courses and later transfer to a university to complete a bachelor's. Some accredited online universities in Hawaii also offer graduate degrees in finance, nursing, and social work, allowing for advanced educational opportunities.
Nursing
At 35%, nursing and rehabilitation stands out as the fastest growing industry in Hawaii between 2008 and 2018. Nursing education offers multiple tiers of study, from RN studies to BSN studies and graduate work. Advanced students can pursue high-paying specializations like neonatal or emergency care.Finance
The finance industry covers many occupations, including money managers, financial planners, securities analysts, and mortgage brokers. Top finance occupations in Hawaii grew by 33.3% between 2008 and 2018.Social Work
Between 2008 and 2018, the number of social assistance jobs in Hawaii grew by 28%. Social work occupations allow for varied work environments and job duties with opportunities for professional growth. Eligible graduates working in social assistance through government or nonprofit employment may also receive student loan forgiveness.Resources for Online College Students in Hawaii
Hawaii Adult & Community Education Office: The Adult Education Program of the Hawaii Department of Education offers education opportunities to adult students including GED classes and competency-based diploma tests, substitute teacher training, and other workforce education courses. Classes are held at 10 different campus locations.
HireNet Hawaii: Powered by the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the American Job Center, HireNet Hawaii offers an extensive database of statewide job postings and a variety of educational, training, and career information resources for job seekers, college-aged youth, veterans, and employers.
Hawaii State Department of Education: The Hawaii State Department of Education creates policies, coordinates educational initiatives and programs, and provides resources to students, parents, teachers, and schools. Prospective students can find numerous resources on the DOE website, including college and career readiness assessments, adult education information, and scholarships.
Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: The Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provides resources for employed and unemployed Hawaiians, including the HireNet Hawaii job board, workforce development initiatives, unemployment benefits and insurance, and extensive research and statistics.
Hawaii Workforce Infonet: The Hawaii Workforce Infonet provides information to Hawaii employers and job seekers, including a statewide job board, industry and workforce research and publications, and data accessible through an online dashboard. Explore educational attainment information, career information, top industries by location, wage statistics, and employment projections.de or technical education.
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