Hawaii Pacific University doesn’t get the same name recognition as Georgetown or MIT, and honestly, it’s not trying to. What Hawaii Pacific University does offer is something a lot of applicants overlook: a genuinely international student body, a location most people would pay to vacation in, and admissions requirements that don’t demand a perfect transcript. Here’s what actually matters if you’re considering it.
Where Is Hawaii Pacific University and What’s It Known For?
Hawaii Pacific University sits right on Honolulu’s waterfront at Aloha Tower, with a second residential campus at Hawaii Loa. It’s known for programs that make sense given its location — marine biology, travel industry management, and nursing all draw students specifically because of where the campus is. Business administration and computer science round out the more conventional options.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re choosing Hawaii Pacific University partly for the location, check which campus your specific program is based on — Aloha Tower downtown and the Hawaii Loa residential campus are about 25 minutes apart.
What Does Hawaii Pacific University Actually Cost in 2026-27?
Per HPU’s own published rates, full-time undergraduate tuition for regular programs runs $18,768 a semester — that’s $37,536 a year before fees, housing, or books. Nursing programs are billed higher, at $22,308 a semester ($44,616 a year), reflecting the additional clinical resources those programs require. Part-time students pay $1,564 per credit hour for regular programs and $1,859 per credit hour for nursing. Graduate tuition runs lower than undergraduate in most cases, generally landing somewhere around $21,000 a year for standard master’s programs, though this varies by specific degree — always confirm the current rate directly with HPU’s graduate admissions office before budgeting.
What English Test Score Do You Actually Need?
This is one of the more accessible parts of applying to Hawaii Pacific University. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 70, noticeably lower than the 80-100 range many mainland universities require. IELTS minimum is 6.0, Duolingo is 105, and PTE Academic is 48. If you’re a citizen of a country where English is the primary language — the list includes the UK, Canada, Australia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and several dozen others — the requirement may be waived entirely.
⚠️ Warning: HPU updated its TOEFL iBT scoring reference in January 2026 to match the test’s new section-based scale. Always check which version of the score a program page is citing before you submit your application.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Hawaii Pacific University?
Compared to many US universities international students apply to, Hawaii Pacific University runs a genuinely accessible admissions process. It takes a holistic view of applications rather than relying on a hard GPA cutoff, and the acceptance rate sits well above what you’d see at most name-brand research universities. That accessibility is exactly why it’s worth taking seriously as an option rather than dismissing it for not appearing on global ranking lists — the outcomes for the right program can be just as strong.
| Item | Regular Programs | Nursing Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Tuition (per semester) | $18,768 | $22,308 |
| Full-Time Tuition (per year) | $37,536 | $44,616 |
| Part-Time (per credit hour) | $1,564 | $1,859 |
| Application Fee (Undergraduate) | $45 | |
| Application Fee (Graduate) | $55 | |
| TOEFL iBT Minimum | 70 | |
| IELTS Minimum | 6.0 | |
What Does the Application Actually Require?
Applying to Hawaii Pacific University involves an online application, transcripts translated into English, proof of English proficiency (unless waived), and an application fee — $45 for undergraduate applicants, $55 for graduate. You’ll also need a Certificate of Financial Support to receive your I-20 once admitted, since that document is what allows you to apply for your F-1 student visa.
Are Scholarships Available for International Students?
Yes. Merit-based scholarships are automatically considered at the time of application — no separate scholarship form required — and award amounts are typically tied directly to your academic record. This is worth knowing upfront: a stronger transcript doesn’t just help you get in, it can meaningfully lower your actual cost of attendance without any extra paperwork on your part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum TOEFL score for Hawaii Pacific University?
70 on the TOEFL iBT for undergraduate admission, or an IELTS score of 6.0 as an alternative.
How much does Hawaii Pacific University cost for international students?
Full-time undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 is $18,768 a semester for regular programs and $22,308 a semester for nursing, not including fees, housing, or living expenses.
Is Hawaii Pacific University hard to get into?
No — it takes a holistic review approach and doesn’t rely on a strict GPA cutoff, making it more accessible than many mainland US universities.
What is Hawaii Pacific University known for?
Marine biology, travel industry management, nursing, and business administration are among its most recognized programs, largely shaped by its Honolulu location.
Does Hawaii Pacific University offer scholarships to international students?
Yes, merit-based scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions review, with no separate application required.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii Pacific University isn’t trying to compete with the Ivy League, and applicants shouldn’t evaluate it like it is. It’s a genuinely accessible option with real program strengths tied to its location, transparent published tuition, and English proficiency requirements that are lower than most comparable US universities. For the right student and the right program, that combination is worth more than a name people recognize.
Related reading: Check out our guides on USA Student Visa Guide and Cost of Studying in USA for more on planning your application.
