University of Hawaii at Manoa logo

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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 groundbreaking research and unique opportunities at the heart of the Pacific.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa stands as the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi System, a vibrant public land-grant research institution nestled in Honolulu. Renowned for its "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity" classification, UH Mānoa offers an unparalleled academic experience with over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Its distinction extends to being one of only three universities nationwide to participate in all four federal research consortia—land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant—underscoring its deep commitment to comprehensive discovery.

Rooted in a rich history, the university was founded in 1907 as a college of agriculture and mechanic arts, driven by the initiatives of Native Hawaiian legislators and local citizens. It evolved from the College of Hawaii to the University of Hawaiʻi, expanding its academic scope and physical footprint over decades. Post-World War II, the institution experienced rapid growth, becoming a constitutional agency with Hawaii's statehood in 1959 and later forming the broader University of Hawaiʻi System, distinguishing its Mānoa campus in 1972.

Prospective students and families will find an engaging and dynamic environment at UH Mānoa. Its unique location not only provides a stunning backdrop but also informs its strong academic programs, particularly in fields like tropical agriculture, oceanography (implied by sea-grant), and engineering. The university's deep ties to the state are evident, with a significant number of Hawaii's state senators and representatives being UH graduates, reflecting the institution's pivotal role in shaping local leadership and innovation.

Key Highlights

  • Flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi System, classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity."
  • One of only three universities nationwide to participate in all four federal research consortia: Land-grant, Sea-grant, Space-grant, and Sun-grant.
  • Houses a U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), one of only 14 in the country.
  • Offers over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools.
  • A significant contributor to Hawaii's leadership, with 44% of state senators and 51% of state representatives being UH graduates.
  • Established on March 23, 1907, with a vibrant history of expansion and evolution.
  • Serves 20,012 students (Fall 2024) across its programs.

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 freshmen.
1912
Moved to its present Mānoa Valley location and renamed the College of Hawaii.
1919
Achieved university status, becoming the University of Hawaiʻi with new Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Applied Science.
1931
Absorbed the Territorial Normal School, forming Teacher's College (now College of Education).
1941
Classes suspended, campus utilized by the Corps of Engineers following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
1959
Became a constitutional agency with Hawaii's statehood.
1965
A system of community colleges was created and placed within the university.
1972
Renamed the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to distinguish it within the growing UH System.

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within University of Hawaii at Manoa

🏥

John A. Burns School of Medicine

The medical school located adjacent to Kakaʻako Waterfront Park.

📚

College of Education

Formerly Teacher's College, formed in 1931 after absorbing the Territorial Normal School.

⚙️

College of Engineering

One of the expanded colleges by the 1950s.

💼

College of Business Administration

One of the expanded colleges by the 1950s.

🏫

College of Tropical Agriculture

One of the expanded colleges by the 1950s, building on its land-grant roots.

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