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Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 26, 2026

Explore 8 accredited nursing programs across Hawaii's public and private institutions. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and earning potential for RNs and advanced practice nurses.

Overview of Nursing Education in Hawaii

Hawaii offers prospective nursing students a unique combination of affordable public options and established private universities, with 8 accredited programs spread across the islands. Whether you're seeking a quick entry into the workforce through a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or pursuing a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for advanced career opportunities, Hawaii's nursing schools provide accessible pathways to licensure.

The state's nursing workforce is in demand. Hawaii's geographic isolation creates consistent local hiring needs for registered nurses across hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Nursing graduates from Hawaii institutions report strong employment outcomes, with earnings ranging from $56,361 for associate degree holders to over $120,000 for those pursuing doctoral degrees.

This guide covers all 8 nursing programs in Hawaii, helping you understand costs, competitiveness, and earning potential so you can make an informed decision about your nursing education.

Top University Nursing Programs in Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Graduate Programs
Tuition: $12,186/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 69.7%
Graduation Rate: 62.5%
Enrollment: 14,306 (university-wide)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $112,098/year (Doctoral Degree)

UH Manoa's nursing program is Hawaii's largest and most comprehensive, offering pathways from BSN through doctoral degrees (PhD, DNP). Located in Honolulu, the program benefits from partnerships with major medical centers including Queen's Medical Center and Straub Medical Center.

The 69.7% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity—you'll need solid prerequisite grades and competitive GPA, but it's more accessible than many mainland flagship universities. The $12,186 annual in-state tuition is significantly lower than private alternatives, making it an excellent value for a research-focused program.

Graduates pursuing doctoral degrees earn $112,098 annually, reflecting opportunities in advanced practice nursing, education, and research roles. The 62.5% graduation rate is respectable for a public research university.

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Graduate Programs
Tuition: $7,838/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 89.8%
Graduation Rate: 42.0%
Enrollment: 2,260 (university-wide)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $120,737/year (Doctoral Degree)

UH Hilo offers the most affordable 4-year nursing degree in Hawaii at just $7,838 annually for in-state students. The high acceptance rate (89.8%) makes this program accessible to students who may not have perfect academic records, though you'll still need to meet nursing prerequisites.

The program's strength lies in its rural health focus and strong doctoral degree outcomes—graduates with DNP or PhD credentials earn $120,737 annually, the highest among all Hawaii nursing programs. The lower graduation rate (42.0%) may reflect the challenges of completing a rigorous nursing program, but those who persist find excellent career prospects.

If you're interested in rural health, community nursing, or advanced practice in underserved areas, UH Hilo's location on the Big Island provides practical experience in these settings.

Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Tuition: $33,020/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 84.5%
Graduation Rate: 43.0%
Enrollment: 2,502 (university-wide)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $82,566/year (Bachelor's Degree)

Hawaii Pacific is a private nonprofit institution with the highest tuition among Hawaii nursing schools at $33,020 annually. However, the high acceptance rate (84.5%) indicates a more accessible admissions process than the public universities.

The program is ideal if you're seeking smaller class sizes and more individualized attention—HPU's total enrollment of 2,502 students is significantly smaller than UH Manoa. The 43.0% graduation rate is comparable to other private institutions and reflects the intensity of nursing coursework.

Bachelor's degree graduates earn $82,566 annually. While this is lower than doctoral degree earners, it's competitive for RN positions and provides a clear pathway to graduate studies if you want to pursue advanced practice nursing later.

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Tuition: $29,970/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 92.6%
Graduation Rate: 62.3%
Enrollment: 1,648 (university-wide)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $81,763/year (Bachelor's Degree)

Chaminade offers the most accessible admissions process among 4-year universities with a 92.6% acceptance rate, combined with the highest graduation rate (62.3%) among private institutions. This combination suggests strong student support systems and mentoring.

At $29,970 annually, Chaminade's tuition is slightly lower than Hawaii Pacific while maintaining comparable earning potential ($81,763 for BSN graduates). The university's Jesuit mission emphasizes community service, which may appeal to students interested in underserved populations.

With only 1,648 total students, Chaminade provides an intimate learning environment. This is ideal if you thrive with close faculty relationships and prefer a values-driven institution.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Hawaii's three community colleges offer 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at dramatically lower costs than 4-year universities. These programs prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam and immediate entry into nursing practice, with the option to bridge to a BSN later.

Kapiolani Community College (Honolulu)

Program Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Tuition: $3,284/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $78,558/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 3,955 (college-wide)

Kapiolani is Hawaii's largest community college and offers the most established ADN program. At $3,284 annually, you'll spend less than one-third of UH Manoa's tuition for a degree that qualifies you for RN licensure.

Graduates earn $78,558 annually—a strong return on investment given the low cost and 2-year timeline. Many Kapiolani ADN graduates work as RNs while completing BSN degrees through evening or online programs, maximizing earning potential while advancing credentials.

Hawaii Community College (Hilo)

Program Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Tuition: $3,204/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $56,361/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 1,470 (college-wide)

Hawaii Community College offers the lowest tuition in the state at $3,204 annually. Located in Hilo, it serves the Big Island's nursing workforce needs.

The reported earnings of $56,361 are notably lower than Kapiolani, which may reflect differences in local job markets, cost of living adjustments, or graduate demographics. Despite lower earnings, the minimal tuition investment makes this program financially attractive.

Kauai Community College (Lihue)

Program Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Tuition: $3,252/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $62,718/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 726 (college-wide)

Kauai Community College serves the Garden Island's healthcare workforce with an ADN program at $3,252 annually. The smaller enrollment (726 students) means tighter-knit cohorts and potentially more individualized instruction.

Graduates earn $62,718 annually, positioning this program as a middle option between Hawaii Community College and Kapiolani in terms of earning potential.

University of Hawaii Maui College (Kahului)

Program Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Tuition: $3,284/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 27.1%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $82,841/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 1,635 (college-wide)

UH Maui College offers ADN education at community college pricing ($3,284/year) with the highest earning potential among associate degree programs at $82,841 annually. However, the 27.1% graduation rate is significantly lower than other programs, suggesting this is a challenging program to complete.

The lower completion rate may reflect the demands of nursing coursework, the Maui location's unique challenges, or student demographics. If you choose this program, be prepared for rigorous academics and consider what support systems you'll need to succeed.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Cost vs. Earning Potential

Community colleges ($3,200-$3,300/year) offer the fastest, most affordable path to RN licensure. You'll be earning as an RN within 2 years, with salaries ranging from $56,361-$82,841. This is ideal if you need to enter the workforce quickly or have limited financial resources.

Public universities ($7,838-$12,186/year) provide BSN degrees that open doors to advanced practice roles, management, and higher earning potential. The 4-year commitment and higher cost are offset by better long-term career prospects, especially if you pursue graduate degrees.

Private universities ($29,970-$33,020/year) offer smaller class sizes and higher graduation rates but require careful financial planning. Ensure you understand financial aid availability before committing to these costs.

Acceptance Rate and Fit

If you have a competitive GPA and test scores, UH Manoa (69.7% acceptance) and UH Hilo (89.8% acceptance) offer excellent value. If you're worried about admissions, Chaminade (92.6%) and Hawaii Pacific (84.5%) provide accessible alternatives.

Graduation Rate Considerations

Higher graduation rates (Chaminade 62.3%, UH Manoa 62.5%) suggest strong student support. Lower rates (UH Hilo 42.0%, Hawaii Pacific 43.0%, UH Maui 27.1%) may indicate rigorous programs or less support—neither is inherently negative, but factor in your learning style and support needs.

Location and Lifestyle

Honolulu programs (UH Manoa, HPU, Chaminade, Kapiolani) offer urban healthcare settings and more housing/job options. Big Island programs (UH Hilo, Hawaii Community College) emphasize rural health. Neighbor island programs (Maui, Kauai) serve specific communities and may offer more intimate learning environments.

Hawaii's Nursing Job Market

Hawaii's nursing workforce is consistently in demand due to several factors:

Geographic isolation: The islands can't easily import nurses, creating sustained local demand
Aging population: Hawaii has one of the nation's oldest populations, driving healthcare needs
Tourism industry: Visitor volume creates additional healthcare demands
Military presence: Naval and Army medical facilities provide employment opportunities

Salary context: Hawaii's cost of living is 23% higher than the national average, so while nursing salaries appear strong, they reflect higher housing, food, and transportation costs. A $78,558 salary in Hawaii has less purchasing power than the same salary on the mainland.

Job growth: The Hawaii Department of Labor projects nursing positions will grow 8-12% through 2032, slightly above national averages.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Hawaii

Federal Aid

All Hawaii nursing programs participate in federal financial aid (FAFSA). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov to access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

State Programs

Hawaii State Grant Program: Provides need-based grants to Hawaii residents attending in-state institutions
Hawaii Health Corps Loan Repayment: Offers loan forgiveness for nurses working in underserved areas of Hawaii

Institutional Aid

Private universities (HPU, Chaminade) typically offer more institutional scholarships than public schools. Contact financial aid offices directly for merit-based and need-based awards.

Employer Sponsorship

Many Hawaii hospitals and healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment programs for nursing students who commit to employment. Ask about these programs during your job search.

Professional Organizations

The Hawaii Nurses Association and specialty nursing organizations sometimes offer scholarships. Check with your program's nursing department for details.

Next Steps: Compare Programs and Apply

Use this guide to narrow your choices based on cost, location, and career goals. Then:

Visit campuses (or attend virtual information sessions) to experience each program's culture
Speak with current students and alumni about their experiences
Review prerequisite requirements for each program—these vary by institution
Check NCLEX-RN pass rates from each school (available through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing)
Compare financial aid packages by requesting aid estimates from each institution

Ready to explore all nursing programs in Hawaii in one place? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to compare tuition, acceptance rates, graduation rates, and earning potential side-by-side.

Hawaii's nursing schools offer legitimate pathways to a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you choose a community college's quick entry or a university's comprehensive preparation, you're investing in a profession with strong job security and the opportunity to serve Hawaii's communities.