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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: Global learning in paradise, from historic foundations to modern innovation.

Hawaii Pacific University offers a unique blend of global learning and island culture, setting the stage for an extraordinary educational journey. Founded in 1965 as Hawaiʻi Pacific College, HPU has grown from its humble beginnings into a dynamic private university, rooted in the belief that education can transform lives in a breathtaking setting. Its history is marked by strategic mergers, including the integration of Honolulu Christian College and Hawaiʻi Loa College, culminating in its current status as a comprehensive institution.

HPU is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly within the School of Business Administration, established early in its history, and its advanced Master's programs in Business Administration, Information Systems, and Human Resource Management. The university has consistently evolved, adapting to contemporary educational needs while maintaining a commitment to a liberal arts foundation and innovative cooperative education. Its commitment to global engagement is also reflected in programs like the English Foundations, designed for non-native English speakers.

The student experience at HPU is deeply integrated with Honolulu's vibrant downtown. A significant milestone was the revitalization of the iconic Aloha Tower Marketplace, which now serves as a central hub featuring modern student housing, diverse retail and dining options, and community gathering spaces. This waterfront location provides an unparalleled living and learning environment, fostering a sense of community and connection. With recent expansions, including the formal merger of the Oceanic Institute, HPU continues to broaden its academic horizons, offering students unparalleled opportunities in diverse fields within a supportive, island-inspired setting.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1965, evolving into a prominent private university in Hawaii.
  • Serves nearly 5,000 students, offering a diverse and global learning environment.
  • Achieved full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1973.
  • Features a vibrant downtown campus anchored by the revitalized Aloha Tower Marketplace, providing student housing, retail, and community spaces.
  • Offers robust graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Information Systems, and Master of Arts in Human Resource Management.
  • The HPU International Vocal Ensemble made its prestigious Carnegie Hall debut in 2004.
  • Guided by its motto: "Holomua Me Ka ʻOiaʻiʻo" (Go Forward with the Truth).

Timeline

1965
Founded as Hawaiʻi Pacific College
1966
Honolulu Christian College merged into Hawaiʻi Pacific College
1972
First commencement class; School of Business Administration established
1973
Received full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
1986
Master of Business Administration (MBA) program launched
1990
Became Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU)
1992
Hawaiʻi Loa College merged into HPU
2014
Oceanic Institute formally merged into the university
2015
Aloha Tower Marketplace revitalization completed, opening as a student and community hub
🏛️
61 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Hawaii Pacific University

💼

School of Business Administration

Established in 1972, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate business programs, including an MBA.

🏫

Oceanic Institute

Formally merged into the university in 2014, expanding opportunities in marine science and research.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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