Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Hawaii, 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Students pursuing Machine Learning degrees in Hawaii have access to multiple financial aid pathways. The federal government provides grants, loans, and work-study programs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at (Federal Student Aid). Hawaii residents attending public four-year institutions benefit from competitive in-state tuition rates, with an average of $7,284 annually (IPEDS). For those attending University of Hawaii campuses, the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship offers merit-based aid to qualifying students, providing additional support for high-achieving learners (Hawaii B Plus Scholarship).

Key Programs & Amounts

The University of Hawaii System coordinates financial aid across all its campuses, including the main institution at Manoa with tuition at $11,304 annually. Many institutions also offer institutional scholarships and grants tailored to Machine Learning and STEM programs. Out-of-state students should note that non-resident tuition averages $20,556 at public four-year institutions, though private alternatives like Brigham Young University-Hawaii charge $6,438 annually, making it the most affordable option statewide. For detailed information on all available federal aid options, visit (Federal Student Aid). Students should also explore related degree pathways, such as Artificial Intelligence in Hawaii or Data Science in Hawaii, which may offer additional scholarship opportunities.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

State Transfer System

Hawaii's strong transfer system facilitates seamless progression from two-year to four-year institutions for machine learning students. The state operates 10 two-year institutions, including Leeward Community College, which offers foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science, and general education requirements. The UH Transfer Database coordinates articulation agreements across the University of Hawaii System, ensuring that credits earned at community colleges transfer directly toward bachelor's degrees at campuses like Manoa and Hilo. This systematic approach reduces time-to-degree and lowers overall education costs by allowing students to complete general education and prerequisite coursework at the associate's level before advancing to specialized machine learning curricula.

How Transfers Work

Prospective transfer students should connect with advisors at their community college and target four-year institution to confirm course equivalencies and program requirements. Leeward Community College's affordable $3,144 tuition makes it an excellent entry point for students pursuing machine learning through a transfer pathway. Once admitted to institutions like University of Hawaii at Manoa or Hawaii Pacific University, transfer students benefit from established degree pathways and access to upper-level machine learning courses. The UH Transfer Database provides detailed information on course equivalencies, application deadlines, and financial aid continuity. Additionally, students should explore the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship, which supports students attending University of Hawaii campuses. For related transfer-friendly fields, investigate data science and computer science programs that follow similar articulation frameworks.

Industry & Workforce

Hawaii offers a growing opportunity for machine learning education with 7 institutions offering programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state's 115 bachelor's degree completions in machine learning demonstrate strong undergraduate engagement, while 14 master's completions reflect expanding graduate opportunities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa leads the region with 100 completions, establishing itself as the premier destination for machine learning studies in the Pacific. Students can explore related fields through programs in artificial intelligence, data science, and computer science across the state's institution network.

Salary Outlook

Hawaii's tech industry benefits from major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, creating strong career pathways for machine learning graduates. The state's average public in-state tuition of $7,284 for four-year institutions makes education accessible, while out-of-state students face $20,556 average tuition. Strategic locations in Honolulu and across Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui position students near innovation hubs and established enterprises. For comparison with other leading states, explore machine learning programs in California, Texas, and New York. Students seeking affordability should review Hawaii's most affordable machine learning programs, where institutions like Brigham Young University-Hawaii charge just $6,438 annually.

Employment Outlook

Hawaii's machine learning job market is supported by a diverse employer base spanning military, government, healthcare, and aviation sectors. The state's major employment centers are concentrated in the Honolulu metro area on Oahu, with secondary hubs in Hilo on the Big Island. Key employers include the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, all of which increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics. For current salary data and detailed occupational information in Hawaii's tech sector, consult the (Bureau of Labor Statistics) for state-level employment statistics and wage information.

Salaries by Metro

Hawaii produced 115 bachelor's degree completions in machine learning during 2023, with 1 master's program and doctoral offerings available through the University of Hawaii System (IPEDS Data). The state's 7 institutions offering machine learning programs serve both traditional and non-traditional students across Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. Students pursuing careers in this field can benefit from Hawaii's strategic geographic position and growing demand for AI and analytics talent across tourism, defense, and public sector organizations. Prospective students should also explore related fields like artificial intelligence and data science to understand the full career landscape in Hawaii.

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.