Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Hawaii 2025
University of Hawaii at Manoa
24 information technology graduates annually, 66% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
15 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Leeward Community College
39 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Hawaii offers 5+ accredited information technology 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)
Information Technology Education in Hawaii: Overview
Hawaii offers 5 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 104 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 information technology programs in the state are led by University of Hawaii at Manoa, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Leeward Community College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Hawaii Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | Public | $11,304 | 66% | 53.7 |
| 2 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | Laie, HI | Private | $6,438 | — | 52.5 |
| 3 | Leeward Community College | Pearl City, HI | Public | $3,144 | — | 40.9 |
| 4 | Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu, HI | Public | $3,144 | — | 36 |
| 5 | Hawaii Community College | Hilo, HI | Public | $3,144 | — | 32.5 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Hawaii: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Hawaii at Manoa | Brigham Young University-... | Leeward Community College | Kapiolani Community College | Hawaii Community College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,304 | $6,438 | $3,144 | $3,144 | $3,144 |
| Graduation Rate | 66% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 24 | 15 | 39 | 18 | 8 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% | 38% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 53.7/100 | 52.5/100 | 40.9/100 | 36.0/100 | 32.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Hawaii
Hawaii offers 2 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Hawaii at Manoa, Brigham Young University-Hawaii. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $71,715 in the Hawaii market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Hawaii
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Hawaii at Manoa | $11,304 | 66% | 24 | 53.7 |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $6,438 | N/A% | 15 | 52.5 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Hawaii
For graduate study, Hawaii offers 1 master's-level information technology 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 information technology master's programs for more options beyond Hawaii.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Hawaii
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Hawaii at Manoa | $11,304 | 66% | 4 | 43.6 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Hawaii
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Hawaii are at Leeward Community College ($3,144/year), Kapiolani Community College ($3,144/year), Hawaii Community College ($3,144/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 Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology 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 Kapiolani Community College | $3,144 | $12,576 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 Hawaii Community College | $3,144 | $12,576 | 0.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Hawaii
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 24 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 53.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 24 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (70% 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 38%
- • Ranking Score: 52.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 15 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 52.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (38% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,144 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 39 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 39 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,144 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 36.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 18 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 36.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Hawaii Community College
Hilo, HI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,144 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 32.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 8 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 32.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($102,450), and selectivity (N/A% 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.
Information Technology 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)
Information Technology in Hawaii FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.