Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Hawaii — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Hawaii students pursuing Information Technology degrees have access to multiple funding pathways, starting with the federal FAFSA process through (Federal Student Aid). All students attending Hawaii's public institutions, including the 7 institutions offering IT programs across the state, can complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The University of Hawaii System administers these federal aid programs consistently across campuses, making the application process streamlined for students attending any UH institution.

Key Programs & Amounts

Hawaii-specific financial support includes the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship, a merit-based award designed to help students attending University of Hawaii campuses continue their education affordably (Hawaii B Plus Scholarship). This state grant complements federal aid and institutional scholarships, reducing the overall cost burden for qualified IT students. Students should consult the (University of Hawaii System) website for current award amounts and eligibility requirements. Additionally, prospective students should explore scholarships from major employers in Hawaii, including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, many of which offer tuition assistance for IT and related technology fields. Community college students at institutions like Leeward Community College and Kapiolani Community College may also qualify for state and federal grants with lower income thresholds. The (College Scorecard) provides institution-specific aid data, allowing students to compare net price across Hawaii's IT programs.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology 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 transfer system streamlines the pathway from community colleges to four-year universities, enabling students to earn associate degrees before completing bachelor's degrees at minimal cost. The UH Transfer Database facilitates seamless credit transfer within the University of Hawaii System, allowing students from 10 two-year institutions to progress to 11 four-year institutions. This articulation structure is particularly valuable for IT students at Leeward Community College (the state's largest IT program with 39 completions), Kapiolani Community College (18 completions), and Honolulu Community College, who can transition to the University of Hawaii at Manoa's bachelor's program. Starting at a community college offers significant financial advantages: associate's programs cost just $3,144 annually at Hawaii's community colleges, compared to $11,304 at University of Hawaii at Manoa for bachelor's students. Students can complete general education and foundational IT coursework at lower cost before transferring to pursue specialized bachelor's degrees in software engineering, cybersecurity, or systems administration.

How Transfers Work

The transfer process within the University of Hawaii System is standardized, with designated articulation agreements ensuring smooth credit application toward bachelor's degree requirements. IT students benefit from pre-established program mappings that clarify how community college courses satisfy four-year institution prerequisites. Transfer applicants maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and meet any program-specific requirements in mathematics and programming fundamentals. Beyond the UH System, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, the state's most affordable bachelor's institution at $6,438 annually, also accepts community college transfers through agreements with Hawaii's public institutions. The state's transfer infrastructure ensures that completing an associate's degree doesn't delay bachelor's degree completion, allowing students to benefit from both cost savings and career advancement. For detailed transfer guides, course equivalencies, and articulation agreements, students should consult the UH Transfer Database directly. Additionally, exploring related pathways in Information Systems in Hawaii and Network Administration in Hawaii can expand career options within the state's technology sector.

Industry & Workforce

Hawaii offers a growing landscape for Information Technology education with 7 institutions offering IT programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state has established strong academic pathways through 3 associate's institutions producing 65 completions and 3 bachelor's institutions awarding 38 completions annually. Students can access quality education at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the state's flagship research university, and Brigham Young University-Hawaii, both ranked among the national best Information Technology programs. The Honolulu metropolitan area serves as a vibrant tech hub, with major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente actively recruiting IT graduates.

Salary Outlook

The economic case for studying IT in Hawaii is compelling. Public four-year institutions offer an average in-state tuition of just $7,284 annually, significantly lower than the national average, while out-of-state students face $20,556 in tuition costs (IPEDS). Additionally, Hawaii residents benefit from merit-based financial aid through the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship for students attending University of Hawaii campuses. Beyond cost, Hawaii's geographic location and strategic importance create unique career opportunities in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise IT for military and government sectors. Graduates in related fields like Network Administration in Hawaii and Cybersecurity in Hawaii find strong employment prospects across the island economy.

Employment Outlook

Hawaii's information technology job market is supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic advantages. The state's major metropolitan area, Honolulu, serves as the primary hub for IT employment, while secondary markets in Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City provide additional opportunities across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii's technology sector continues to expand, driven by both established institutions and growing private sector demand. The state's unique position as a Pacific gateway creates specialized opportunities in military IT infrastructure, government information systems, and healthcare technology sectors that differ from mainland markets.

Salaries by Metro

Educational pathways in Hawaii prepare graduates for this competitive landscape through 7 institutions offering information technology programs across associate's and bachelor's degrees (IPEDS). The state produced 65 associate's degree completions and 38 bachelor's degree completions in recent years, with leading institutions like University of Hawaii at Manoa and Leeward Community College graduating the majority of IT professionals. For comprehensive salary data and occupational outlooks specific to Hawaii's IT market, prospective students should consult the BLS occupational data for Hawaii. Those exploring related specializations might also consider Network Administration in Hawaii or Cybersecurity in Hawaii programs, which offer complementary career pathways in the state's growing technology sector.

Core Requirements

Information Technology curriculum in Hawaii balances foundational technical knowledge with practical, applied skills aligned with industry demands. Associate's degree programs, such as those at Leeward Community College and Kapiolani Community College, include core courses in computer fundamentals, networking basics, database management, web development, and systems administration. These programs emphasize hands-on labs and certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, enabling graduates to enter the workforce quickly. Students complete approximately 60 credit hours with a mix of general education and IT-specific courses. Bachelor's degree programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Brigham Young University-Hawaii expand the curriculum to include software development, enterprise systems, IT project management, cybersecurity fundamentals, and cloud computing architecture. Bachelor's students complete 120 credit hours and often pursue internships with major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, and Hawaiian Airlines.

Degree Pathways

Upper-level coursework incorporates advanced specializations in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, and business intelligence. Many programs require capstone projects where students design and implement IT solutions for real-world problems, working in teams to mirror professional development environments. The master's level program in Hawaii, though limited to one institution, emphasizes research, systems architecture, and strategic IT management. Students access specialized labs for network simulation, cybersecurity testing, and cloud platform training. Hawaii's IT programs often integrate partnerships with state employers and military installations, providing internship and research opportunities. Curricula align with industry standards and emerging technologies, with courses in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network administration regularly updated to reflect market demands. Many programs also incorporate business coursework, ensuring graduates understand IT's strategic role in organizations.

Honolulu stands as Hawaii's premier technology hub and the state's primary metropolitan area for information technology employment and education. The city hosts University of Hawaii at Manoa, which ranked #1 for bachelor's programs in IT with a competitive tuition rate of $11,304 and serves as the state's leading institution with 28 completions. Honolulu also provides proximity to multiple employer headquarters, military installations, and healthcare organizations that drive IT job growth. The surrounding Oahu region includes strategic secondary cities like Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City, each offering distinct geographic and employment advantages for technology professionals. These Oahu communities collectively represent the strongest labor market for IT graduates in Hawaii.

Beyond Oahu, the Big Island city of Hilo and Maui communities provide emerging opportunities for IT professionals seeking alternative locations with distinct quality-of-life advantages. Leeward Community College, serving the Kapolei/Oahu region, produced the highest number of associate's degree holders with 39 completions, making it an accessible entry point into Hawaii's IT workforce. Students can leverage the UH Transfer Database to plan educational pathways across regions, while the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship supports merit-based financial aid for those attending University of Hawaii campuses. For students evaluating broader geographic options, comparisons with Information Technology in California, Texas, and New York reveal that Hawaii's average public in-state tuition of $7,284 at four-year institutions offers competitive affordability relative to national programs.

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