Best Information Systems Degree Programs in Hawaii — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Students pursuing Information Systems degrees in Hawaii have access to multiple financial aid pathways, beginning with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through (Federal Student Aid), students can apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities that apply across all 6 institutions offering Information Systems programs in the state. The FAFSA process opens the door to federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other need-based assistance available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students regardless of their chosen institution.

Key Programs & Amounts

Hawaii offers additional merit-based support through the (Hawaii B Plus Scholarship), a state-funded program specifically benefiting students at University of Hawaii campuses. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides meaningful financial support for both bachelor's and master's degree candidates. For students attending community colleges before transferring to four-year programs, the (UH Transfer Database) facilitates seamless transitions within the University of Hawaii System, helping students maximize financial benefits through strategic enrollment planning. Prospective students should also explore institutional scholarships offered directly by their chosen schools, as many programs provide additional need and merit-based awards to support degree completion and career readiness.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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's strong transfer system facilitates seamless movement from community colleges to four-year universities, making it an affordable pathway for Information Systems students. The state operates 2 associate's degree-granting institutions and 11 four-year institutions, with the UH Transfer Database serving as the central resource for understanding articulation agreements and credit transferability. Students can begin their IS education at community colleges like Kapiolani Community College (18 completions) or Hawaii Community College (8 completions) at a cost of just $3,144 annually, then transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa or other four-year institutions. This 2+2 model significantly reduces overall degree costs while maintaining educational quality. The University of Hawaii System explicitly supports and encourages these transfer pathways through clear articulation frameworks and dedicated admissions pathways for community college students.

How Transfers Work

Prospective students should use the UH Transfer Database to verify course equivalencies and ensure credits will transfer toward their desired bachelor's degree. Additionally, students may qualify for the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship, a merit-based award available to those enrolling at University of Hawaii campuses, which can further reduce costs after transfer. For additional context on transfer-friendly programs nationally, explore Information Systems National Rankings, Most Affordable Programs, and compare with related fields like Data Analytics in Hawaii and Information Technology in Hawaii. Community college completion data shows strong enrollment: Kapiolani and Leeward each serve significant numbers of students, with tuition at $3,144 making the pathway economically accessible while maintaining academic rigor.

Industry & Workforce

Hawaii offers a growing landscape for Information Systems education, with 6 institutions across the state providing programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can pursue associate's degrees at 2 institutions, bachelor's degrees at 3 institutions, and master's degrees at 1 institution, with a total of 97 completions recorded in 2023. The University of Hawaii at Manoa leads the state with 53 completions, making it the premier destination for IS students seeking rigorous, research-backed education. For those seeking more affordable pathways, community colleges like Kapiolani and Leeward offer tuition as low as $3,144 annually, significantly below the state's average public four-year tuition of $7,284 for in-state students (College Scorecard).

Salary Outlook

Hawaii's geographic location and major employment hubs create unique opportunities for IS professionals. The state's largest employer sectors, including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii government, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, rely heavily on technology infrastructure and digital transformation. Honolulu and surrounding regions on Oahu concentrate the majority of these opportunities, while the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai offer emerging tech sectors. Students should also explore related fields like Information Technology in Hawaii, Data Analytics in Hawaii, and Cloud Computing in Hawaii to broaden their career prospects. Additionally, prospective students may benefit from reviewing National Best Information Systems Programs and Most Affordable Programs Nationally to contextualize Hawaii's offerings within the broader landscape.

Employment Outlook

Hawaii's information systems job market is shaped by its unique geographic position and strategic military and government presence. The state supports 6 institutions offering information systems programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels, producing 97 total completions annually according to IPEDS data. The Honolulu metropolitan area serves as the primary employment hub, concentrating opportunities across multiple sectors. For detailed salary benchmarks and occupational data specific to Hawaii, the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics provides current regional insights that help students understand competitive compensation and job availability in the islands.

Salaries by Metro

Major employment centers include Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City, with the strongest concentration of positions in the Honolulu area. Key sectors driving demand include the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii government operations, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, all major employers actively recruiting information systems professionals. Students pursuing this field should explore related programs to expand career pathways, including Information Technology in Hawaii, Data Analytics in Hawaii, and Cloud Computing in Hawaii. These complementary fields often employ information systems graduates and reflect the evolving technology landscape across the state.

Core Requirements

Information Systems curricula in Hawaii integrate foundational computer science with business and organizational management principles. Core coursework includes database management, systems analysis and design, networking, cybersecurity, business intelligence, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and IT project management. Associate's degree programs at institutions like Kapiolani Community College and Hawaii Community College focus on applied technical skills and often emphasize hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and platforms. Bachelor's programs, particularly at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (the state's top IS program with 53 completions), incorporate both theoretical foundations and practical applications, frequently including capstone projects that require students to solve real-world business technology challenges. Master's programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa emphasize research, strategic IT management, and advanced specializations such as data analytics, cloud architecture, or digital transformation.

Degree Pathways

Many Hawaii IS programs benefit from partnerships with major regional employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii government agencies, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, which provide internship opportunities and industry-relevant curriculum guidance. Students interested in specialized tracks should explore related programs such as Data Analytics in Hawaii, Database Management in Hawaii, and Cloud Computing in Hawaii. These complementary fields often intersect with core IS coursework, offering deeper specialization. For national context on curriculum standards and best practices, review National Best Information Systems Programs and consider how Hawaii programs align with National Online Options if flexible learning formats are desired.

Honolulu dominates Hawaii's information systems job market and serves as the state's primary technology hub. As the capital and largest city, Honolulu hosts corporate headquarters, military operations, government agencies, and healthcare facilities that collectively create the strongest demand for IT professionals across the islands. The Honolulu metropolitan area encompasses surrounding communities including Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City, all growing employment centers with increasing technology investments. University of Hawaii at Manoa, located in Honolulu, remains the state's flagship institution with 53 information systems completions and offers comprehensive support through the UH Transfer Database for students beginning at community colleges. The city's cost of living and strong job market make it the primary destination for information systems graduates.

Beyond Honolulu, Hawaii's secondary cities offer emerging opportunities. Hilo, on the Big Island, and communities on Maui and Kauai provide alternative career paths with lower competition and potentially better work-life balance. Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu produces 18 associate's completions, while Hawaii Community College on the Big Island contributes 8 completions, creating regional talent pipelines. Students should compare regional opportunities with other major tech markets through Information Systems in Texas and Information Systems in New York resources. Public in-state tuition averages $7,284 at four-year institutions, offering substantial savings compared to $20,556 out-of-state rates, making Hawaii institutions particularly attractive for local and Pacific Island students.

Last Updated: February 22, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.