Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Hawaii — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Hawaii offers several pathways for financing a computer science degree. The primary federal resource is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which unlocks access to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Hawaii residents attending University of Hawaii campuses may qualify for the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship, a merit-based award designed to support high-achieving students (University of Hawaii System). This scholarship is particularly valuable for students pursuing degrees at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa or University of Hawaii at Hilo, which serve as primary computer science hubs in the state.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state-specific programs, students should explore institutional financial aid packages offered directly by their chosen school. The University of Hawaii System maintains a comprehensive financial aid portal with information on scholarships, grants, and loan options. Federal student aid eligibility, determined through FAFSA completion, typically covers tuition, fees, and living expenses. Community college students starting at institutions like Leeward Community College benefit from lower sticker prices, which can reduce overall borrowing needs. Students planning to transfer within Hawaii should leverage the (UH Transfer Database) to ensure seamless credential movement and maintain financial aid eligibility throughout their degree pathway.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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.

State Transfer System

Hawaii offers robust transfer pathways for computer science students through a comprehensive statewide system. The UH Transfer Database (https://www.hawaii.edu/admissions/transfer/) facilitates seamless transfer between institutions within the University of Hawaii System, allowing students to begin their education at community colleges and progress to four-year universities. Hawaii has 10 two-year institutions offering associate's degrees (IPEDS), with Leeward Community College leading in completions (39 in 2023). Other key transfer sources include Kapiolani Community College and Hawaii Community College, all charging $3,144 in annual tuition—making the pathway exceptionally affordable for students entering the field.

How Transfers Work

Students completing associate's degrees in computer science or related programs can transfer directly into bachelor's degree programs at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and Hawaii Pacific University. Articulation agreements between community colleges and four-year institutions ensure that coursework credits transfer appropriately, minimizing delays and additional costs. The UH Transfer Database provides detailed information about course equivalencies and transfer requirements. Additionally, students should explore national affordable programs to understand comparative pathways outside Hawaii. The Hawaii B Plus Scholarship (https://www.hawaii.edu/) provides merit-based support for University of Hawaii students, including transfer students. This structured pathway enables cost-effective progression from associate's to bachelor's degrees while building technical expertise throughout the journey.

Industry & Workforce

Hawaii offers a unique setting for computer science education with 8 institutions offering programs across multiple degree levels, from associate's through doctoral degrees (IPEDS). The state produced 193 computer science completions in 2023, demonstrating a solid pipeline of talent. The University of Hawaii at Manoa leads the way with 124 completions, establishing itself as the premier destination for CS education in the islands. For those comparing Hawaii to other tech hubs, explore Computer Science in California and Computer Science in Texas to understand the broader landscape.

Salary Outlook

Hawaii's tech sector is supported by major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, creating robust career opportunities for graduates. The Honolulu metropolitan area serves as the primary employment hub, with additional opportunities across Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. Affordability is a key advantage—the average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions is $7,284 annually, significantly lower than the out-of-state average of $20,556 (IPEDS). Prospective students should also explore related fields like Software Engineering in Hawaii, Data Science in Hawaii, and Cybersecurity in Hawaii to identify complementary career paths.

Employment Outlook

Hawaii's computer science job market is supported by a diverse employer base and growing opportunities across multiple sectors. The state is home to major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, all of which actively recruit computer science professionals. The Honolulu metro area serves as the primary tech hub in the state, offering the highest concentration of tech-focused positions and career advancement opportunities. According to (BLS State Data), Hawaii's technology sector continues to expand, with demand for software developers, systems analysts, and IT professionals remaining strong across government, healthcare, and private sectors.

Salaries by Metro

Entry-level and experienced computer science graduates from Hawaii institutions can explore opportunities in cities including Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City. The state's geographic location and military presence create unique career pathways in cybersecurity, defense technology, and infrastructure development. Prospective graduates should consider related fields like (Software Engineering in Hawaii), (Data Science in Hawaii), and (Cybersecurity in Hawaii) for broader career options. For comparative market insights, students may also research (Computer Science in California) and (Computer Science in Texas) to understand regional salary variations and career growth trends across the Pacific region.

Core Requirements

Computer science curricula in Hawaii, particularly at top-ranked institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo, typically include core courses in data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics, database systems, operating systems, and software engineering. Students complete programming coursework across multiple languages and paradigms, with foundational courses in Java, Python, and C++. Most bachelor's degree programs integrate mathematics-intensive coursework including calculus, linear algebra, and numerical analysis. Capstone or senior design projects are standard requirements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Many programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical implementation skills aligned with industry demands.

Degree Pathways

Advanced specialization options often include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, web development, and software engineering. Hawaii's proximity to major tech employers like the U.S. Military creates opportunities for industry partnerships and applied research. Master's programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offer advanced coursework in specialized areas, with research requirements and thesis options. For students interested in emerging fields, explore Artificial Intelligence in Hawaii and Data Science in Hawaii for complementary specializations. Many programs incorporate internship requirements and cooperative education placements with local employers, providing hands-on experience before graduation. Detailed curriculum information is available through the University of Hawaii System and individual institution websites.

Online Program Growth

Hawaii's computer science landscape is primarily campus-based, with 8 institutions offering programs across associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state's 5 bachelor's-granting institutions focus on traditional, in-person instruction, allowing students to benefit from direct faculty mentorship, hands-on labs, and collaborative learning environments. Major programs operate from diverse locations including Honolulu, Hilo, and Kailua, with the University of Hawaii at Manoa serving as the flagship institution. Campus-based learning enables students to tap into Hawaii's robust employer network, including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente—organizations that frequently hire locally and offer internship opportunities.

Accredited Online Options

For students requiring flexibility, many traditional institutions are expanding online and hybrid course offerings, though comprehensive online computer science degrees remain limited in Hawaii. Students seeking fully online options may consider (best online programs nationally) as a supplement to local offerings. Campus attendance remains advantageous for computer science majors, as laboratory work, capstone projects, and networking with industry partners typically require physical presence. The University of Hawaii System's transfer infrastructure ensures that students starting at community colleges like Leeward Community College can transition seamlessly to four-year campuses, combining affordability with access to comprehensive on-site resources and support services.

Honolulu stands as Hawaii's premier technology hub, offering the highest concentration of computer science employers and career opportunities. The city hosts the state's largest academic institutions, including (University of Hawaii at Manoa), which dominates computer science education with 124 completions in 2023. Honolulu's metro area encompasses multiple employment centers in Kapolei, Pearl City, and surrounding areas, providing diverse career pathways in military technology, government, healthcare, and private sector innovation. The city's cost of living is higher than many mainland markets, but average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions is $7,284, providing educational affordability compared to national averages.

Secondary technology markets exist in Hilo on the Big Island and across Maui and Kauai, with smaller but growing opportunities. The University of Hawaii at Hilo, located in Hilo, produced 10 completions in computer science and offers competitive tuition at $7,344 annually for in-state students. Brigham Young University-Hawaii in Kailua serves as an affordable alternative at $6,438 annually, making it Hawaii's most cost-effective bachelor's program option. For comprehensive school comparisons and affordability analysis, explore (Best Bachelor's Rankings) and (Most Affordable Programs). Students should also consider related regional programs in (Computer Science in California) or (Computer Science in New York) for comparative cost-of-living analysis.

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.