The University of Hawaii acceptance rate varies depending on which campus you are applying to, but the flagship campus at Manoa accepts roughly 70 to 73 percent of applicants. That puts UH Manoa in a moderately selective category, below open-enrollment schools but well above the country's most competitive public universities.
If you are considering UH Manoa, a professional program at UH, or you want to understand what the university of hawaii acceptance rate means in context, this guide breaks down the numbers, the academic expectations, and what makes the school worth looking at seriously.
The University of Hawaii System: Which Campus Are You Applying To?
The University of Hawaii is a 10-campus public system. When people refer to the university of hawaii acceptance rate, they are almost always talking about UH Manoa, the flagship research university in Honolulu. The other campuses in the system, including UH Hilo and the community college campuses, have their own admissions processes and generally higher acceptance rates.
This article focuses on UH Manoa because it receives the most applicants nationally, offers the broadest range of degree programs, and is the campus whose acceptance rate students are most likely to be researching. how to choose the right university campus.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Acceptance Rate
The University of Hawaii at Manoa acceptance rate for recent admissions cycles falls between 70 and 73 percent. In the 2022-2023 cycle, UH Manoa received approximately 12,000 applications and admitted around 8,500 students. Final enrollment of freshmen was closer to 2,200, meaning many admitted students chose other schools.
The university of hawaii acceptance rate at Manoa reflects a school that is genuinely selective without being exclusionary. Students with strong GPAs and reasonable test scores are competitive. Students with exceptional profiles often receive merit awards that make UH Manoa a financially attractive choice even for out-of-state applicants. University of Kentucky acceptance rate.
Typical Academic Profile of Admitted Students
Even with a university of hawaii acceptance rate in the low 70s, admitted students bring solid academic backgrounds. The typical freshmen profile at UH Manoa includes:
- High school GPA: 3.3 to 3.8 (unweighted)
- ACT composite: 21 to 27
- SAT total: 1040 to 1280
UH Manoa is test-optional for most applicants. Students who submit strong scores may be considered for additional merit awards. Students whose GPA falls below a 2.8 will find admission difficult regardless of the overall university of hawaii acceptance rate. how to calculate your college GPA for applications.
University of Hawaii Out of State Acceptance Rate
The University of Hawaii's out-of-state acceptance rate is comparable to the overall figure. UH Manoa does not apply dramatically different standards for in-state versus out-of-state applicants, which makes it unusual among state flagship schools.
Out-of-state students do pay higher tuition. Resident tuition at UH Manoa runs around $12,000 per year; out-of-state tuition is roughly $34,000 per year before aid. However, UH offers merit-based scholarships that are available to out-of-state students, and some students from the U.S. mainland find the merit awards reduce their cost significantly.
The University of hawaii out of state acceptance rate being similar to in-state rates is partly a product of the school's geographic position. Hawaii has a smaller in-state college-bound population than most states, so UH Manoa recruits heavily from California, Washington, and other Pacific Rim states to maintain enrollment numbers. in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs explained.
University of Hawaii Law School Acceptance Rate
The University of Hawaii law school acceptance rate is significantly lower than the main campus figure. The William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu accepts roughly 30 to 35 percent of applicants, making it a moderately selective law school with a regional focus.
The law school receives around 500 applications per year and enrolls a class of approximately 65 to 75 students. Median LSAT scores for admitted students sit around 157 to 159, and median GPA is around 3.5. The school prioritizes applicants with ties to Hawaii and Pacific Island communities, which affects the competitive landscape for mainland applicants.
If you are researching the University of Hawaii law school acceptance rate, note that the school's small size means class composition can vary more from year to year than at larger law programs. how to choose a law school in the US.
Strong Academic Programs at UH Manoa
The University of Hawaii acceptance rate does not tell the full story of the school's academic strengths. UH Manoa has genuine national-level programs in several areas:
Marine Biology and Ocean Science: The school sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which is not incidental. The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology are among the best-funded and most productive in the country. Students interested in ocean-related fields have access to research opportunities that are simply not available at landlocked universities.
Asian and Pacific Studies: UH Manoa has one of the largest concentrations of Asia-Pacific scholarship in the country. The East-West Center, located on campus, brings international scholars and students together and offers fellowship opportunities for undergraduates.
Astronomy: UH operates multiple telescopes on Mauna Kea, one of the best astronomical observation sites in the world. The Institute for Astronomy produces a significant volume of published research and involves undergraduates in active projects. best marine biology programs in the United States.
Cost and Financial Aid at UH Manoa
Beyond the University of Hawaii acceptance rate, cost is a real consideration. Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. On-campus housing helps control expenses, but off-campus rents in Honolulu are high. Students and families should budget for a higher overall cost of attendance than the tuition number alone suggests.
On the aid side, UH Manoa participates in the full range of federal aid programs. The school also offers the Board of Regents Scholarship, which is UH's most competitive merit award and covers significant tuition costs for students with exceptional academic records. college financial aid guide for families.
What the University of Hawaii Acceptance Rate Does Not Tell You
The University of Hawaii acceptance rate can make the school seem like an easy admit, but a 70% acceptance rate means roughly one in three applicants is turned away. Students with a 3.0 GPA or with significant gaps in their coursework history may not be admitted, despite the overall figure.
More importantly, the acceptance rate does not capture the experience of being a student in Honolulu. The weather, the distance from the mainland, the campus culture, and the unique mix of local, mainland, and international students all shape what daily life at UH Manoa actually looks like. Students considering the University of Hawaii at Manoa acceptance rate as part of a mainland versus Hawaii decision should visit the campus if possible, or at minimum speak with current students. student life at universities in Hawaii.
Should You Apply to UH Manoa?
The University of Hawaii acceptance rate makes UH Manoa a realistic option for most applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Whether you should apply depends less on your odds of admission and more on whether the school offers the programs and environment that fit your goals.
Students interested in ocean science, Asia-Pacific studies, astronomy, and international business have compelling academic reasons to choose UH Manoa over schools with similar or better overall acceptance rates. Students for whom location is a drawback rather than a selling point should make sure the program quality justifies the cost and the distance. University of Waterloo admission rate.
Read Also: University of Kentucky Acceptance Rate
FAQs
1. What is the University of Hawaii acceptance rate?
The University of Hawaii at Manoa acceptance rate is around 70% to 73%. This means the university is moderately selective and accepts a large number of qualified students each year.
2. Is the University of Hawaii hard to get into?
No, the University of Hawaii is not considered extremely difficult to get into. Students with a good academic background, solid GPA, and average test scores have a strong chance of admission.
3. What GPA do you need for the University of Hawaii at Manoa?
Most admitted students have a high school GPA between 3.3 and 3.8. Students with a GPA below 2.8 may find admission more competitive.
4. Does the University of Hawaii accept out-of-state students?
Yes, the University of Hawaii welcomes many out-of-state students every year. Admission standards are generally similar for both Hawaii residents and mainland U.S. applicants.
5. What are the most popular courses at UH Manoa?
UH Manoa is well known for programs like Marine Biology, Ocean Science, Astronomy, Asian and Pacific Studies, and International Business. These programs attract students from across the world.
6. Is the University of Hawaii good for international students?
Yes, the University of Hawaii is a popular choice for international students because of its diverse campus culture, strong academic programs, and location in Honolulu with strong Asia-Pacific connections.