Top 3 Game Development Programs in Hawaii 2025
University of Hawaii at Manoa
85 game development graduates annually, 66% graduation rate
Hawaii Pacific University
16 game development graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
9 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Hawaii offers 4+ accredited game development 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)
Game Development Education in Hawaii: Overview
Hawaii offers 4 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 120 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 game development 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 Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | Public | $11,304 | 66% | 72.3 |
| 2 | Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | Private | $35,580 | 90% | 53.6 |
| 3 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | Laie, HI | Private | $6,438 | — | 49.5 |
| 4 | University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hilo, HI | Public | $7,344 | — | 39.6 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Hawaii: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Pacific | Brigham Young University-... | U of Hawaii at Hilo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,304 | $35,580 | $6,438 | $7,344 |
| Graduation Rate | 66% | 90% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 85 | 16 | 9 | 10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% | 84% | 38% | 90% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 72.3/100 | 53.6/100 | 49.5/100 | 39.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Hawaii
Hawaii offers 4 bachelor's-level game development 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 game development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Game Development Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Game Development Bachelor's Programs in Hawaii
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Hawaii at Manoa | $11,304 | 66% | 85 | 72.3 |
| #2 Hawaii Pacific | $35,580 | 90% | 16 | 53.6 |
| #3 Brigham Young University-... | $6,438 | N/A% | 9 | 49.5 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Hawaii
For graduate study, Hawaii offers 1 master's-level game development 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 game development master's programs for more options beyond Hawaii.
Top 3 Game Development 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 Game Development Colleges in Hawaii
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Hawaii are at Brigham Young University-Hawaii ($6,438/year), University of Hawaii at Hilo ($7,344/year), University of Hawaii at Manoa ($11,304/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Hawaii's competitive tech salaries.
At Brigham Young University-Hawaii, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,752 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $71,715, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Hawaii (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brigham Young University-... | $6,438 | $25,752 | 0.7 years | Private |
| #2 U of Hawaii at Hilo | $7,344 | $29,376 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 U of Hawaii at Manoa | $11,304 | $45,216 | 1.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Hawaii
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 85 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 72.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 85 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (85 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,580 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 16 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 53.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (16 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 38%
- • Ranking Score: 49.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 9 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.5 / 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.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,344 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 39.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 10 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 39.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Hawaii with strong job growth.
Game Development 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 4)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Game Development in Hawaii FAQ
Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Game Development 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.