How to get into University of Hawaii at Hilo
How to get into UH Hilo: the WUE pathway for Western states, marine science, and a small public liberal arts and sciences campus
60.6%
Acceptance rate
$7,838
In-state cost
$20,798
Out-of-state cost
What makes University of Hawaii at Hilo admissions different
The University of Hawaii at Hilo is a small (around 2,100 students) public university on the Big Island of Hawaii. Acceptance rate around 61%. Strong programs in marine science, astronomy (Mauna Kea is nearby), Hawaiian studies, and pharmacy. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program lets students from participating Western states pay 150% of in-state tuition — a meaningful discount on the OOS sticker.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the UH Hilo application by the rolling priority deadline (typically March 1 for fall). Earlier applications get stronger scholarship consideration.
- 2.
Submit transcripts. UH Hilo is test-optional for most majors.
- 3.
WUE applicants from participating Western states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) should confirm WUE eligibility on the application. WUE cuts tuition by roughly half off OOS sticker.
- 4.
Apply for the Chancellor's Scholarship and other competitive merit. Most institutional merit is awarded based on the admission application.
- 5.
Marine science applicants: UH Hilo's Marine Science program is one of the few undergraduate marine science majors at a US university with direct ocean and reef access.
- 6.
Astronomy applicants: the campus's proximity to Mauna Kea observatories supports undergraduate research.
- 7.
Hawaii residents: file the FAFSA for federal Pell and Hawaii state aid.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Missing the WUE eligibility checkbox if you're from a participating Western state. WUE is the single biggest cost lever for OOS applicants.
- ✕
Treating UH Hilo and UH Manoa (Honolulu, the flagship) as similar. They are different campuses with different cultures and programs.
- ✕
Underestimating the cost of living and travel from the mainland. Plan for it separately from tuition.
- ✕
Skipping the FAFSA.
The specifics for University of Hawaii at Hilo
Application deadlines
- Priority ApplicationMarch 1, 2026Strongest scholarship consideration
- Rolling DecisionThrough summer 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Students from participating Western states pay 150% of in-state tuition — a substantial discount on the OOS sticker. Confirm eligibility on the application.
Marine science and Mauna Kea astronomy
UH Hilo's location on the Big Island supports undergraduate marine science research with direct ocean access and astronomy research using Mauna Kea observatories.
Notable scholarships at University of Hawaii at Hilo
Chancellor's Scholarship
Top institutional merit award based on the admission application.
What graduates actually do
UH Hilo is a small public university on the Big Island of Hawaii with distinctive programs in marine science, astronomy (given proximity to Mauna Kea observatories), Hawaiian language and indigenous studies, and pharmacy. Alumni serve Hawaiian education, healthcare, and natural resource management, with notable representation in Native Hawaiian cultural preservation and language revitalization.
Notable alumni
- Frederick Lau — Actor
- Nainoa Thompson — Master navigator, Polynesian Voyaging Society (attended)
Transfer pathway
UH Hilo is part of the University of Hawaii system, which provides seamless transfer from Hawaii Community College (located on the same campus) and other UH community colleges. The UH System Transfer Agreement guarantees AA graduates admission with junior standing. Minimum 2.0 GPA. Pharmacy and nursing have selective requirements. Up to 60 credits transfer from two-year colleges. The Ka'ie'ie program facilitates transfer between UH Manoa and UH Hilo.
Articulation partners
Hawaii Community College · Honolulu Community College · Kapiolani Community College · Leeward Community College · Windward Community College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
UH Hilo is a target for Hawaii residents and out-of-state applicants (especially from WUE states) who want a small public university on the Big Island with strong marine science and astronomy programs. Most academically prepared applicants are admitted. WUE eligibility transforms the cost math for many OOS students.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.