Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Hawaii, 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Hawaii students pursuing artificial intelligence degrees have access to multiple funding sources, starting with federal aid through the FAFSA process. All prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at (Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. The state of Hawaii offers additional support through merit-based funding opportunities designed specifically for students attending University of Hawaii campuses. The (Hawaii B Plus Scholarship) provides merit-based awards for qualifying students, making it an excellent resource for those enrolled at UH Manoa, UH Hilo, or other University of Hawaii System institutions.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, many Hawaii institutions offer institutional scholarships and financial aid packages. Students should explore scholarship opportunities directly through their chosen institution's financial aid office. The University of Hawaii System facilitates enrollment across multiple campuses, and the (UH Transfer Database) helps students optimize their educational path while maintaining financial aid eligibility. For detailed information about financing your AI degree, consult (College Scorecard), which provides net price calculators for participating institutions. Students can also reference (IPEDS data) for comprehensive tuition and financial aid information across Hawaii's 7 institutions offering artificial intelligence programs.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Hawaii. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

State Transfer System

Hawaii provides streamlined pathways for students to begin their artificial intelligence education at community colleges and transfer to four-year universities. The state's 10 two-year institutions, including Leeward Community College (ranked #1 for associate's AI programs), offer affordable foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science, and introductory technology concepts. These associate degree programs cost as little as $3,144 annually, making them an accessible entry point for students seeking degree completion at a four-year institution. Students completing associate degrees with strong academic records and appropriate prerequisite coursework can transfer with junior standing to bachelor's degree programs, reducing overall time-to-degree and educational costs.

How Transfers Work

The UH Transfer Database facilitates seamless credit articulation within the University of Hawaii System (UH Transfer Database), ensuring courses taken at community colleges count directly toward bachelor's degree requirements at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo. Specific articulation agreements detail how associate degree coursework applies to upper-level AI and computer science programs. The Hawaii B Plus Scholarship provides merit-based financial support for students attending University of Hawaii campuses (Hawaii B Plus Scholarship), incentivizing transfer pathways within the system. Students should consult with community college advisors about guaranteed admission agreements and course equivalencies. For related educational paths, explore Data Science in Hawaii, Computer Science in Hawaii, and Data Analytics in Hawaii. Additional transfer information is available through Federal Student Aid and the College Scorecard.

Industry & Workforce

Hawaii offers a growing opportunity for artificial intelligence education with 7 institutions currently offering AI programs across associate, bachelor's, and graduate degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Hawaiian colleges awarded 115 bachelor's completions, 14 master's completions, and 1 doctoral completion in artificial intelligence, demonstrating expanding capacity in this high-demand field. The University of Hawaii at Manoa leads the state with 100 completions, establishing itself as the premier destination for AI education in the islands. These programs align with growing employment opportunities in technology-driven sectors throughout the state.

Salary Outlook

The islands' strategic location and strong economy create unique advantages for AI students. Major employers in Hawaii including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente actively recruit technology professionals, providing internship and career pathways. The Honolulu metropolitan area serves as the primary tech hub, with additional opportunities in Hilo and surrounding regions. Students studying AI in Hawaii benefit from affordable public tuition, averaging $7,284 annually for in-state four-year institutions, making degree completion financially accessible (College Scorecard). Explore related programs like Machine Learning in Hawaii and Data Science in Hawaii to expand your educational options. For national context, compare Hawaii's offerings with National Best Bachelor's Programs and Most Affordable Programs across the United States.

Employment Outlook

Hawaii's artificial intelligence job market is growing within a specialized tech ecosystem centered around the Honolulu metro area and supported by the state's unique economic drivers. The state's AI sector benefits from strong federal presence, state government investment, and private sector growth across healthcare, aviation, and hospitality industries. According to (BLS State Data), Hawaii's technology workforce continues to expand, with AI roles emerging across multiple sectors. The concentration of opportunities in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City creates distinct regional job markets, each with different employer focuses and career trajectories.

Salaries by Metro

Educational pathways in Hawaii support this growing market. With 7 institutions offering artificial intelligence programs (IPEDS), including 5 bachelor's-granting institutions with 115 total completions, the state produces a steady stream of qualified professionals. The University of Hawaii System, Hawaii's higher education governance body, plays a central role through institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which leads the state with 100 AI program completions. Prospective students can explore career outcomes through the (College Scorecard), which tracks graduate earnings and employment rates. For those interested in complementary fields, Hawaii also offers strong programs in Machine Learning, Data Science, and Computer Science.

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.