Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Hawaii 2025
University of Hawaii at Manoa
109 computer science graduates annually, 66% graduation rate
Hawaii Pacific University
11 computer science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
9 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Hawaii offers 5+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Hawaii at Manoa leads with 66% graduation rate
- 3.Hawaii software developers earn median $102,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Honolulu, Maui, Kailua
- 5.Cost of living index: 192.9% of US average (above average)
Computer Science Education in Hawaii: Overview
Hawaii offers 5 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 178 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Honolulu, Maui, Kailua, with major employers including Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA.
With a median software developer salary of $102,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 192.9% compared to the US average, Hawaii offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Hawaii Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | Public | $11,304 | 66% | 75.2 |
| 2 | Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | Private | $35,580 | 90% | 50.8 |
| 3 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | Laie, HI | Private | $6,438 | — | 49 |
| 4 | Leeward Community College | Pearl City, HI | Public | $3,144 | — | 40.2 |
| 5 | University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hilo, HI | Public | $7,344 | — | 39.2 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Hawaii: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Pacific | Brigham Young University-... | Leeward Community College | U of Hawaii at Hilo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,304 | $35,580 | $6,438 | $3,144 | $7,344 |
| Graduation Rate | 66% | 90% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 109 | 11 | 9 | 39 | 10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% | 84% | 38% | N/A | 90% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.2/100 | 50.8/100 | 49.0/100 | 40.2/100 | 39.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Hawaii
Hawaii offers 4 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $71,715 in the Hawaii market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Hawaii
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Hawaii at Manoa | $11,304 | 66% | 109 | 75.2 |
| #2 Hawaii Pacific | $35,580 | 90% | 11 | 50.8 |
| #3 Brigham Young University-... | $6,438 | N/A% | 9 | 49.0 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Hawaii
For graduate study, Hawaii offers 1 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Hawaii at Manoa. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Hawaii reaching $133,185 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond Hawaii.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Hawaii
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Hawaii at Manoa | $11,304 | 66% | 14 | 49.7 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Hawaii
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Hawaii are at Leeward Community College ($3,144/year), Brigham Young University-Hawaii ($6,438/year), University of Hawaii at Hilo ($7,344/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Hawaii's competitive tech salaries.
At Leeward Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,576 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $71,715, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Hawaii (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Leeward Community College | $3,144 | $12,576 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $6,438 | $25,752 | 0.7 years | Private |
| #3 U of Hawaii at Hilo | $7,344 | $29,376 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Hawaii
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Hawaii, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,304 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 66% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 109 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 75.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 109 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (109 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UH Manoa's Computer Science program is designated as an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research and offers specialized tracks in Data Science, Security Science, and Creative Computational Media. The program emphasizes areas uniquely suited to Hawaii's role as a multicultural and geographical center of the Pacific.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •ICS 111
- •ICS 141
- •ICS 211
- •ICS 241
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Program Details
- Credits: 57 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,580 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 50.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 11 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, HI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,438 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 38%
- • Ranking Score: 49.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 9 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (38% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This analysis cannot be completed as the provided content is about University of Hawaii at Manoa's transfer admissions, not about BYU-Hawaii's Computer Science program.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00 for Hawaii residents, 2.50 for non-residents
- Transfer Friendly
Sources
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,144 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 39 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 39 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (39 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,344 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 39.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 10 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 39.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program at UH Hilo offers a comprehensive curriculum including specialized courses in computer forensics, web technology, and multimedia programming. Students can pursue a Computer Application Development specialization and benefit from hands-on courses covering topics from robotics to digital forensics.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 135T or higher, or placement into MATH 135 or higher
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Honolulu, Maui, Kailua
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($102,450 median)
- You want to work at companies like Hawaiian Airlines or First Hawaiian Bank
- You prefer Hawaii's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Hawaii's 5)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Computer Science in Hawaii FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Hawaii-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Hawaii salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.