Founded in 1970, University of Hawaii at Hilo. is a Public college. Located in Hawaii, which is a city setting in Hawaii, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 3,075 full time undergraduate students, and 591 full time graduate students.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 210 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Hawaii at Hilo include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
860-1070
ACT Range
18-24
Admissions at UHH are considered Selective, with ,17% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
88% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 53% were in the top quarter, and 18% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Hawaii at Hilo.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
31%
“Sometimes, but not often”
44%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
53%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
31%
“We bought the gear”
16%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
47%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
25%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
72%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
9%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
53 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
49 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
62 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
61 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
62 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
62 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
63 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
62 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of Hawaii at Hilo REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of Hawaii at Hilo?
36 Students rated University of Hawaii at Hilo
Kion - 01/14/2021
One of today's most diverse colleges is the University of Hawaii at Hilo. There are many foreign students who pass it, not including the number of locals who go to Hilo University of Hawaii. UH Hilo is a huge campus, and the people in Hilo are very nice. On their given office hours, professors are accessible or available and ensure that each student understands the principle of each given topic.
Pakalani - 12/28/2020
UH Hilo is located on the East side of Hawaii Island, so it rains a lot (bring an umbrella). It's good to have a reliable vehicle to get you from point A to point B, especially if you need groceries etc. Hilo is a peaceful place, full of nature and birds chirping. It's good to be involved with any clubs or events that are happening on campus.
jadee - 07/31/2020
I think it is a pretty good school if anyone is looking for a change compared to home. It has a really good atmosphere and is rich with culture and diversity since it is Hawai’i after all. There are always opportunities to grow as a person and your knowledge.
Natasha - 04/16/2020
It is an amazing school with many of the students caring about their heritage. Many of the students went to Mauna Kea to protest TMT because of how sacred it is to the Hawaiian people. The student body is very chill and laid back. The majority of the students come from Pacific Island backgrounds so it can be a bit of a culture shock to people from the continental United States, or from busy places.
alicia - 03/12/2020
UH Hilo is a very good school. Its known for its diversity of students. The university is in a good location, not to far from shopping areas, and it has good facilities for working out and relaxation. The campus is a good size for the students that are on campus during the year.
Maya - 10/26/2019
At first, I was skeptical to go to a college in a town that was well known for being small and a little slow paced compared to where I grew up but I've been attending this university for almost two years now and haven't regretted it once. There is always something fun and interesting going on as long as you know where to look. I've met so many amazing people from all over the world in my classes and clubs. Being known as one of the most student diverse colleges in the nation, it's very interesting to see many cultures thriving in one place all with the common interest of education. The classes are very well paced and the teachers are very welcoming and easy to talk to and always willing to offer help to any students that need it. I highly recommend this college to anybody in any major!
Ruby - 01/11/2019
I don’t go to the main campus, I go to their college of pharmacy. Currently, we are still in modular trailers waiting for our new campus to open. It has been 10 years in the making, but it was announced in the paper that July will be the official opening day of our new campus. It will be an exciting day.
Marvin - 10/06/2018
I truly believe that University of Hawaii at hilo is a great school because I know it has the tools that can shape me up and make me prepared for my future. I have been developing skills and I have been feeling more confident when it comes to things like laboratory.
Taumie - 10/03/2018
I have attended this university for over 6 years now both as an undergraduate and graduate student. The college has a very like-able fitness center and due to out many health majors offered on campus, many students on campus are fitness and health-oriented. The campus itself is beautiful with green grass, palm trees, open hallways and centers and a sometimes rainy, sometimes sunny sky above. A small enrollment rate makes the campus not crowded and classes not overwhelmingly full. The Hilo community leads a very laid-back and friendly reputation that is immediately apparent. The college does need to up it's academics though as many professors aren't demanding. The College of Pharmacy is also still brand new and figuring so much out that it feels chaotic and disorganized for a graduate school profession that we pay thousands of dollars for every year. Parking sucks and the system of buying a pass only for a particular zone when classes are scheduled many areas on campus doesn't seem to be efficient.
Faith - 08/26/2018
Although I am currently only a freshman, I have experienced so much in the time that I have spent so far at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. There are several things that I truly enjoy that the campus has to offer. For example, I love the variety of quality food in the dining hall that they provide, the altruism and support of professors/peers, and the size of the campus. I have lived in Hawaii my entire life and it's nice to be able to have that same feel of home and "aloha" that is shared on campus. There are many clubs and extracurricular activities provided through the school, which I am super excited for, and gives students the opportunity to bond together. As time goes on, I hope to experience more on the campus to widen my opportunities.
Graecin - 08/10/2018
The University of Hawaii at Hilo has provided me with the helping hands and guidance I need to start my college path. From advisors to managers, everyone makes an effort to remember our names and faces on a personal level. The bond between students and staff is an extremely important part of the school and helps boost trust and understanding on campus.
Jualin Sable - 05/30/2018
My overall opinion about the University of Hawaii at Hilo is that everyone is welcoming. I feel like I have found lifelong friends at this University. With everyone, I encounter we all have a great from hosting events and just being surrounded by the community. The University of Hawaii at Hilo is an amazing place to be if you have never been there. Most people at first will be thinking why the Big Island there is nothing to do there. Honestly, if you know the right people and make the right friends the Big Island and the University of Hawaii at Hilo will not be boring at all. I can tell you that from experience.
Kaitlyn - 05/15/2018
There’s not much going on socially & there’s no night life in the town but the academics are up to par. If you’re looking for a simple college life & on campus jobs, UH is an okay option. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone looking to be social outside of class, unless you’ll be living on campus or playing sports.
Megan - 05/11/2018
Hilo is a very accessible campus. Without being a student yet, they have been the most convenient school to call, email, and talk to. That was the largest benefactor to choosing the University of Hilo, Hawai'i as my campus. All their facilities are updated including the on-campus housing and new doctorate buildings. Through their email system, they displayed a large concern for student safety. Up to date emails kept all students aware of the recent volcanic action in the local area and vog (a large concern for those with respiratory issues). They also offered lots of options for those in need of help in regards of natural weather concerns, options for issues preventing academic performance, and various contacts. I feel very safe and all my confidence is to represent Hilo. A representative even visited my high school to congradulate me formally! Looking forward to being a Vulcan!!! Encouraging other students to look towards Hilo!
Maria Christine - 05/08/2018
As a current student, I can say I am a happy Vulcan. My first year of college off-island was a big mental stress for me, but the people and the facilities within in the school helped me overcome my struggle. It was a tough first year but I am glad I was able to push through and my school was very supportive of me.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Hawaii at Hilo is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not be afraid to take a leap of faith. Don't limit yourself to what you already know, but go out and explore the things you always wondered about. Realize your passions early and go out and fulfil them as soon as you can. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing better than you, just do your best and have fun doing it. Don't restrict yourself from reaching your fullest potential for the benefit of someone else. Make sure that everything you are doing makes you happy. If you hate your job, find a new one. If you hate your classes, take a different one. Don't waste your time being miserable by doing something to make someone else happy. This is your life! Make friends, make enemies, but whatever you decide to do, make sure you're satisfied in doing it. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given, trust your instincts, and make sure you know that you are responsible for every decision you make. "You're young and you're healthy, so the world is your oyster"
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
I would say the most frustrating thing about my school is the parking. Our school does have a lot of available parking, but it is quickly taken by the numerous drivers who come to school. I have experienced driving around in an assigned parking lot waiting for somebody to leave so I can take that parking stall. We can't park in any other parking zones because we would get fined. The other parking zones where I'm allowed to park at is too far from my classes.
In my honest opinion, UH Hilo is an institution for anyone. The campus is very welcoming and everyone is very helpful and care a lot about their students. It offers a lot of unique programs that you may not always find at similar institues, even including other University of Hawaii campuses. If you are interested in any kind of agricultural courses or even Native Hawaiian cultural practices, UH Hilo has so much to offer. It's a great school with many great resources to foster learning for everyone.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Hilo University is great in many ways. The compound is neat and the campus area are mostly being care by garderners and workers. The teacher and councelor are really helping in helping registered for my course. The financial aid and business office are really fast in processing their works. The cafe on the other hand have expensive food. The book store even sell book the make up to $100- $200 dollars.
University of Hawaii- HIlo is known all over th world for the astronomy program due to the world famouse telescopes on the mountain of Mauna Kea. However, most students attending are here for the very prestigious marine science program.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
I love how small and close everything is here in Hilo and on this campus. When my friends and family ask about living in Hilo and going to school in Hawaii I can only mention great things. You can walk up and down campus and always see people you know that will always say "hi" to you. Not to mention the beautiful surroundings. Being able to go to the beach whenever it is not raining in hilo, is such a priviledge. I have known people to love it or hate it here and i love it.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
For me I would have to say the location. Although Hilo was a larger city so there was the mall and government was located on that side of the island, I would have preferred the University of Hawaii to be located in Kona. The weather is nicer, the water is nicer for marine biology life and the atmosphere in general was much nicer. Other than that, I loved the school
What kind of person should not attend this school?
If you don't want to major in marine science don't attend this school it is the only well funded department and has the only good caring faculty. If you don't like lazy staff and constant partying you shouldn't attend this school.
The diversity amongst students, the low faculty to student ratio. The availability of the professors and the school's strides to advance as a center of education.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The University of Hawaii Hilo has a variety of students attending. There are people from all walks of life. The school is big but also small enough so that you are able to speak to your instructor and they are able to speak to you and know you by name. The workout gym is fantastic with a swimming pool and the workout area facing the swimming pool. It's a culturally diverse campus and it's amazing what kinds of people you are able to meet here. It's awesome I love it.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
82% of students attending University of Hawaii at Hilo receive some sort of financial aid.
48% were awarded federal grants.42%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.