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Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu, HI

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Holomua Me Ka ʻOiaʻiʻo(Forward With Truth)

1965
Founded
Private university
Type
2,502
Total Students
4,260
Undergrad
738
Graduate
$44M
Endowment
(2017)
$33K
Tuition (In-State)
$33K
Tuition (Out-State)
$31K
Avg Net Price
84%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Graduation Rate
6-year
57%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: John Y. Gotanda

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University: A vibrant Honolulu university blending global education with island life.

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) offers a distinct higher education experience, seamlessly blending a vibrant urban campus with the unique cultural and natural beauty of Oʻahu. Founded in 1965 with the motto "Holomua Me Ka ʻOiaʻiʻo" (Progress with Truth), HPU has grown from a small liberal arts college into a dynamic private university, dedicated to fostering academic excellence and a global perspective. Its downtown Honolulu campus, highlighted by the revitalized Aloha Tower Marketplace, provides students with integrated housing, dining, and community spaces right at the waterfront.

HPU's academic strengths are diverse, with a strong foundation laid by the establishment of its School of Business Administration in 1972, which quickly expanded to include advanced programs like the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Information Systems. The university has consistently adapted to educational needs, offering specialized instruction for non-native English speakers and programs for military personnel stationed on Oʻahu. This commitment to accessibility and innovation reflects HPU's dedication to serving a wide range of students.

The university's history is marked by strategic growth and integration, including mergers with Honolulu Christian College and Hawaiʻi Loa College, which broadened its academic offerings and campus footprint. A significant milestone was its formal integration of the Oceanic Institute in 2014, expanding its research capabilities. HPU's presence extends beyond academics into the arts, notably with its International Vocal Ensemble performing at Carnegie Hall in 2004, showcasing the talent and global reach of its student body. This blend of academic rigor, community engagement, and unique island setting defines the HPU student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1965 as Hawaiʻi Pacific College, it evolved into a dynamic private university in Honolulu.
  • Serves 4,998 students, offering a diverse educational experience guided by the motto "Holomua Me Ka ʻOiaʻiʻo" (Progress with Truth).
  • Home to the School of Business Administration, established in 1972, which includes Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Information Systems, and Master of Arts in Human Resource Management programs.
  • Achieved full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1973.
  • Completed a $50 million revitalization of the Aloha Tower Marketplace in 2015, transforming it into student housing, retail, and community gathering spaces.
  • The HPU International Vocal Ensemble made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2004.
  • Formally integrated the Oceanic Institute into the university in January 2014, expanding its research and academic scope.

Timeline

1965
Founded as Hawaiʻi Pacific College
1966
Merged with Honolulu Christian College
1972
Graduated its first class and established the School of Business Administration
1973
Received full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
1986
Launched Master of Business Administration program
1990
Became Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU)
1992
Merged with Hawaiʻi Loa College
2004
HPU International Vocal Ensemble debuted at Carnegie Hall
2014
Completed a merger to formally bring Oceanic Institute into the university
2015
Aloha Tower Marketplace revitalization project completed, opening to students and the community
🏛️
61 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Hawaii Pacific University

💼

School of Business Administration

Established in 1972, offering a range of business programs including MBA, MS in Information Systems, and MA in Human Resource Management.

🏫

Oceanic Institute

Formally integrated into the university in 2014, expanding HPU's research capabilities.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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