University of Hawaii at Manoa logo

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

14,306
Total Students
$12K
Tuition (In-State)
$34K
Tuition (Out-State)
$13K
Avg Net Price
70%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

About University of Hawaii at Manoa

Discover a world-class research university deeply rooted in the heart of the Pacific.

Nestled in vibrant Honolulu, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa stands as the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi system. This public land-grant research powerhouse is renowned globally for its unique position as one of only three universities in the nation to participate in all four prestigious grant consortia: land, sea, space, and sun. With a classification among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," UH Mānoa offers an exceptional academic environment that fosters innovation and discovery, deeply influenced by its Pacific Rim connections.

Established on March 23, 1907, as the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts of the Territory of Hawaiʻi, the university has a rich history of growth and evolution. It moved to its current picturesque Mānoa Valley location in 1912 and later achieved full university status in 1919. Throughout the 20th century, UH Mānoa expanded significantly, absorbing institutions like the Territorial Normal School and developing a comprehensive system that now includes over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools.

Prospective students and families will find an engaging campus life complemented by robust academic offerings. Beyond its extensive degree programs, UH Mānoa is a significant contributor to national defense research, serving as one of only fourteen University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) for the U.S. Department of Defense and one of five for the U.S. Navy. The university’s profound impact is also evident in its alumni network, which comprises a significant portion of Hawaii's state senators and representatives, demonstrating the strong community and leadership ties fostered at Mānoa.

Key Highlights

  • Flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi system, located in Honolulu.
  • One of only three universities in the U.S. participating in all four grant consortia (land, sea, space, sun).
  • Classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity."
  • Houses a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Navy.
  • Offers over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools.
  • System-wide endowment of $567 million (2024) and student enrollment of 20,012 (Fall 2024).
  • Nearly half of Hawaii's state senators (44%) and representatives (51%) are UH graduates.

Timeline

1907
Founded as the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts of the Territory of Hawaiʻi.
1908
Officially became an institution of higher learning, enrolling its first 5 freshmen.
1912
Moved to its present location in Mānoa Valley and renamed the College of Hawaiʻi.
1919
Renamed the University of Hawaiʻi, with the addition of the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Applied Science.
1931
The Territorial Normal School was absorbed, becoming Teacher's College (now the College of Education).
1941
Classes suspended for two months following the attack on Pearl Harbor, campus occupied by the Corps of Engineers.
1959
With Hawaii's statehood, the university became a constitutional agency with Board of Regents oversight.
1965
The state legislature created a system of community colleges within the university.
1972
Renamed the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to distinguish it within the UH System.

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within University of Hawaii at Manoa

🏥

John A. Burns School of Medicine

Located adjacent to Kakaʻako Waterfront Park.

📚

College of Education

Evolved from the Territorial Normal School, absorbed in 1931.

⚙️

College of Engineering

Established by the 1950s, contributing to the university's growth.

💼

College of Business Administration

Established by the 1950s as the university expanded its offerings.

🏫

College of Tropical Agriculture

Established by the 1950s, building on the university's land-grant roots.

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

Added in 1919, central to the university's comprehensive academic offerings.

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