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Key Takeaways
Best mobile development degree programs: U of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific, Brigham Young University-...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,144 to $35,580/year
Leeward Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,144/yr
Mobile Development degree programs available: 1 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in Hawaii
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Hawaii community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente
Tech hubs in Honolulu and Maui
Hakia Research 2026
Mobile Development degree programs near 10+ cities across Hawaii
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Hawaii Mobile Development programs
We rank 7 accredited mobile development programs in Hawaii using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Mobile Development Degree Programs in Hawaii Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Mobile Development Degree Rankings in Hawaii
Compare the top-ranked Mobile Development programs in Hawaii by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Mobile Development Programs in Hawaii
Program Landscape
Hawaii offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in mobile development, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Leeward Community College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Hawaii offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,144/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $56,348 in Hawaii.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Hawaii's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Honolulu, Maui, Kailua areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among mobile development schools in Hawaii, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their mobile development degrees in Hawaii.
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Programs in Hawaii
Program Landscape
Hawaii ranks among the nation's top destinations for mobile development education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific, Brigham Young University-..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Hawaii mobile development programs earn a median salary of $87,083, 11% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Honolulu, Maui, Kailua metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,438 to $35,580 annually, with an average of $15,167/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 78%, with the highest reaching 90%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Hawaii's leading technology employers. For students seeking mobile development degrees in Hawaii, these top-ranked mobile development schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Mobile Development Programs in Hawaii
Program Landscape
Hawaii offers 1 master's degree programs in mobile development, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Hawaii at Manoa, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Hawaii earn a median salary of $102,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Honolulu, Maui, Kailua creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $11,304/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Hawaii's mobile development schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Mobile Development Programs in Hawaii
Program Landscape
Hawaii is home to 1 doctoral programs in mobile development, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Hawaii at Manoa are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Hawaii PhD holders earning a median of $128,063, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Honolulu, Maui, Kailua region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Hawaii programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing mobile development degrees in Hawaii, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Mobile Development Degree Costs & Tuition in Hawaii
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $12,762/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $31,905/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,191/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $76,572 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $19,142 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Mobile Development Students in Hawaii
State Aid Programs
Hawaii students pursuing mobile development degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, beginning with the federal FAFSA process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available to all eligible students (Federal Student Aid). Additionally, Hawaii offers the B Plus Scholarship, a merit-based financial aid program specifically for students attending University of Hawaii campuses. This state-level initiative supports academic achievement and helps reduce the overall cost burden for qualifying students enrolled in University of Hawaii system institutions.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, individual institutions in Hawaii provide institutional scholarships and aid packages. The University of Hawaii system administers centralized financial aid coordination through its main website (University of Hawaii System), where students can explore scholarship opportunities specific to their program and campus. Community colleges like Leeward Community College also offer financial aid counseling and access to federal aid programs. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early and contact their institution's financial aid office to maximize available funding. For comprehensive information about federal aid eligibility and loan options, the College Scorecard provides institutional aid data (College Scorecard).
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator, Hawaii
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a mobile development 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.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a mobile development degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+749%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,385,336
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$119,048
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
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
Mobile Development Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Hawaii metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $113K |
| Maui | $108K |
| Kailua | $102K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Mobile Development Graduates in Hawaii
Find mobile development jobs in Hawaii. These major employers across Hawaii metro areas are actively hiring mobile development degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Mobile Development Jobs in Honolulu
HITransfer Pathways for Mobile Development Degrees in Hawaii
State Transfer System
Hawaii's strong transfer system facilitates seamless progression from community colleges to four-year universities, particularly within the University of Hawaii system. The UH Transfer Database enables students to identify articulated courses and degree pathways, ensuring credits earned at 1 associate's degree-granting institution (Leeward Community College with 23 completions) transfer directly toward bachelor's degrees at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo. This structure allows students to complete lower-division coursework affordably before advancing to upper-level mobile development specialization. Leeward Community College's associate's program, ranked #1 and priced at just $3,144 in tuition, provides an excellent entry point for budget-conscious students seeking solid foundational training in programming and mobile fundamentals.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from formal agreements between community colleges and University of Hawaii campuses, which reduce time-to-degree and maintain financial accessibility. After completing an associate's degree, students transition to bachelor's programs at institutions such as the University of Hawaii at Hilo ($7,344 tuition) or Brigham Young University-Hawaii ($6,438 tuition), both ranked among the state's most affordable options. The University of Hawaii System's coordinated approach ensures that courses taken at two-year institutions count toward four-year degrees. For additional educational pathways, students may explore related disciplines through Web Development in Hawaii, Software Engineering in Hawaii, and Computer Programming in Hawaii. Complete transfer information is available through institution websites and Federal Student Aid resources for financial planning guidance.
Why Pursue a Mobile Development Degree in Hawaii?
Industry & Workforce
Hawaii offers a compelling destination for mobile development education, with 8 institutions across the state offering programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The University of Hawaii system is the dominant force in the field, with the University of Hawaii at Manoa alone accounting for 100 completions in mobile development, demonstrating substantial faculty expertise and industry connections. Students pursuing mobile development in Hawaii benefit from programs ranging from associate's degrees at community colleges to doctoral-level research opportunities, providing flexible pathways for learners at all stages of their careers.
Salary Outlook
The islands host major technology employers and government agencies actively seeking mobile development talent, including the U.S. Military, the State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente. Honolulu serves as the primary tech hub, with additional opportunities across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Prospective students should explore Hawaii's top-ranked programs, including University of Hawaii at Manoa's bachelor's degree and Brigham Young University-Hawaii's most affordable option at $6,438. For comparative context, students may also review national best bachelor's programs and most affordable options nationally. Related fields like Software Engineering in Hawaii and Web Development in Hawaii offer complementary career pathways.
Mobile Development Program Availability in Hawaii
Source: IPEDS 2024
Mobile Development Job Market & Salary Data in Hawaii
Employment Outlook
Hawaii's mobile development job market is supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic location in the Pacific. The state is home to major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, all of which increasingly rely on mobile technology solutions. According to BLS State Data, Hawaii's technology sector continues to grow as organizations modernize their operations and customer-facing applications. The Honolulu metro area serves as the primary tech hub, drawing mobile development talent from across the islands and the mainland.
Salaries by Metro
Mobile development education in Hawaii shows strong completion rates across multiple credential levels. IPEDS data indicates that 8 institutions across the state offer mobile development programs, with 115 bachelor's degree completions in 2023, the highest completion count among all credential types. Associate's programs contributed 23 completions through institutions like Leeward Community College, while 1 master's program and 1 doctoral program round out the educational pipeline. For students considering similar technical fields, Hawaii also offers strong programs in Web Development, Software Engineering, and Computer Programming, providing complementary career pathways in the tech sector.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Mobile Development Programs in Hawaii
Online Programs
0 available in Hawaii
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Mobile Development Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 202
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 127
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 68
- Median Tuition
- $44,500
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Mobile Development Degree Programs in Hawaii: FAQ
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Hawaii salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.