Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii is a go-to destination for vacationers worldwide, but thousands of nurses call Hawaii home. The pay is high, the location is desirable, and the exploration adventures are endless. Read on to learn about the top nursing schools in Hawaii to help decide the right one for you.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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Top 10 Nursing Schools in Hawaii
This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,
- Reputation
- NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Tuition
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
- Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Hawaii nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.
Originally part of the University of Hawaii Manoa, the University of Hawaii at Hilo split in 1970 and has since become one of the best regional schools. The bulk of UH Hilo's 2,700 students are undergraduates pursuing degrees like the traditional BSN. This transfer-friendly BSN lets you transfer credits from any UH school directly into the program.
UH Hilo only offers two doctoral programs, one of which is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Once students complete their BSN, they can apply to the BSN-DNP program, a three-year, eight-semester on-campus degree. UH Hilo also boasts that it is the only BSN program on the outer islands and offers students exclusive rural clinical learning experiences.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 25%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $306
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $846
- Address: 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $72,357
Although it's mostly known as an online school, the University of Phoenix actually has a campus in Kapolei on Oahu. So, while most of the courses are online, nursing students can still enjoy the campus lifestyle. The University of Phoenix Hawaii doesn't yet have a traditional BSN program, but Hawaii students can attend an RN-to-BSN bridge, multiple MSN programs, and a DNP.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 100%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Address: 949 Kaokila Blvd, Kapolei, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 42%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $88,250
Chaminade University is the only Catholic college in Hawaii, though religion doesn't play a central role in the school's curriculum. The 1,028 undergraduate students enrolled represent 20 different religions, so Chaminade may still be a good fit if you aren't Catholic.
Nursing students at Chaminade have one option: a traditional BSN. Graduates of this program have an excellent track record on the NCLEX, possibly due to Chaminade's emphasis on mentorship. Also, while the price is high compared to in-state tuition at other major universities, 98% of students receive some form of financial aid, so the price could be much lower than the tuition represents.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 32%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $950
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $950
- Address: 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $62,343
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the oldest school in the UH system. Based in Honolulu, it is also the largest school in the public system and one of the most diverse universities in the nation. Despite its large size, UH Manoa boasts an average class size of 20 students, and students in the School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene can expect even more intimate classes. The BSN has a direct entry option for current high school students, and some graduate-level degrees can be completed online.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 4%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $471
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,389
- Address: 2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,710
While Hawaii Pacific University is primarily based in Honolulu, the school also has its Hawaii-Loa campus northeast of Honolulu that offers a traditional college experience.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of HPU is that it's a non-religious private school, which is a rarity in higher education. Of course, future nurses should care most about the quality of the traditional BSN. Hawaii Pacific University also offers a relatively new DNP program with two pathways: MSN to DNP and BSN to DNP.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Percent Enrolled Online: N/A
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,355
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,355
- Address: 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A
Based in Hilo, Hawaii Community College doesn't offer a four-year nursing degree. However, as part of the UH system, future nurses can complete their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in two years at Hawaii CC, take and pass the NCLEX, and then complete an RN-BSN program at another school.
Pacific Islander students who aren't Hawaii residents receive a discounted tuition rate that's only slightly higher than the in-state tuition rate. So, even if you aren't from Hawaii, you could still be eligible for a huge tuition discount. Hawaii CC only graduates a handful of students each year but has an impressive NCLEX pass rate.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 60%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $131
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $345
- Address: 1175 Manono Street, Hilo, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $58,673
Originally a technical school, Kapiolani Community College has grown into an important part of the University of Hawaii system. Much like Hawaii CC, Kapiolani CC doesn't have a traditional nursing program. Instead, students can complete an ASN, pass the NCLEX, and then earn a BSN through an RN-BSN program.
Fortunately, Kapiolani CC nursing students have excelled on the NCLEX in the past, so future students are practically guaranteed a quality education. Kapiolani CC shares a lot in common with Hawaii CC, including the same tuition rates and structure.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 61%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $131
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $345
- Address: 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $69,338
Serving as the UH system's community college on Kauai, the University of Hawaii - Kauai Community College offers many of the same options as other UH community colleges.
Students interested in nursing should select the AS in nursing that leads to becoming an RN. From here, graduates can pass the NCLEX and then enroll in an RN-BSN program elsewhere in Hawaii. This two-year program is ideal for anyone living on or planning to live on Kauai.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 44%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $131
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $345
- Address: 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $54,661
The University of Hawaii - Maui College boasts small class sizes, a beautiful campus, and a prime location on Maui. Maui College doesn't offer a complete BSN program, though students who want a BSN can complete their first two years at Maui College and then transfer directly into UH Manoa's BSN. Upper-division courses cost more for both residents and non-residents, so if you plan on completing a four-year degree, expect to pay higher tuition during years three and four.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 4%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $471
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,389
- Address: 2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,710
10. Aspen University
While Aspen College is technically located in Colorado, this college's online presence is among the best in the nation. For aspiring nurses looking to begin their career in Hawaii, the best option offered through Aspen College is to complete the entire online RN-BSN. Of course, students must first become RNs, though there are plenty of options scattered over multiple islands in Hawaii. In terms of flexibility and affordability, Aspen College is an excellent option for completing your BSN.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 85%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $180
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $180
- Address: 4615 E. Elwood St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
- Hawaii RNs earn an annual mean wage of $106,530, the second-highest rate in the nation behind California.
- Hawaii employs 11,110 nurses, among the lowest in the nation.
Hawaii's low employment isn't as drastic as it may seem at first glance. The Sunshine State has far fewer residents than most other states and employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than California, Washington, and Nevada.
Hawaii employs more nurses than larger states, and the mean annual wage of $106,530 is incredible. However, it is important to note that while the annual wage is significantly higher than the national average for nurses, the cost of living in Hawaii is MUCH higher than in other states. So, while you may be making a lot of money, the cost of rent, gas, and groceries is significantly higher.
Aside from being a high-paying state that employs more nurses than states like California and Washington, Hawaii offers nurses a tropical island lifestyle.
Next Steps
Hawaii has some great nursing schools to look at. Once you've found a few that fit your needs, the next steps are to get in touch with each school, prepare a strong application, and then apply. Be sure to apply to every school you're interested in -- you could end up receiving a nice scholarship or grant from a college that wants you!
Here are the next steps broken down:
Contact each school’s admissions offices. Getting in touch with the admissions office should be a priority. The admissions office can answer questions you have about the school, the application process, and the best way to proceed.
Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Ask the admissions office about the nursing school and any additional admission requirements. Nursing schools often have their own set of admission requirements that are stricter than the university's requirements.
Submit your application(s). After you've put together application materials, the final step is to apply. Your application is extremely important, so spend some time making your application as strong as possible! Strong applications lead to acceptance and potential financial aid.
In your application, be prepared to submit:
-
High school transcript (GPA)
-
ACT and/or SAT scores
-
College entrance essay(s)
-
Letter(s) of recommendation
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
You've been accepted to (hopefully) every program you applied to. But before you choose a school, take a moment to think about what the best option is. It's easy to choose a school solely based on price, reputation, difficulty, etc. Instead of making a quick decision, consider the following -- it could help you find the best school for your nursing career!
- Tuition cost and cost of the nursing program
- Type of school (public or private)
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
- Cost of living on-campus or in the area
- Distance from home
- School and nursing program acceptance rate
- The time it takes to complete the program
- Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
- School’s accreditation (regional and national)
Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation
Accreditation is a way for colleges to verify their academic quality. The best accreditation a school can earn is regional accreditation, and the regionally accrediting body for Hawaii is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. On top of regional accreditation, the best programs (including nursing programs) have programmatic accreditation.
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Getting a License in Hawaii
Hawaii has relatively straightforward requirements for becoming a nurse. As long as you earn an ASN or BSN from an accredited school, all requirements for licensure should be satisfied.
In addition to earning a degree and becoming NCLEX-RN eligible, you'll need to:
-
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
-
Submit electronic fingerprints and pass a criminal background check
-
Pay an application fee and complete an application through the Hawaii Board of Nursing
Final Thoughts
Beaches and tropical forests aside, Hawaii is a top destination for nurses due in part to the incredibly high wages nurses earn. To become eligible for a nursing license in Hawaii, you should study at a university, college, or community college. Once you've earned your degree, you're ready to become a registered nurse and start your nursing career!
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