🥇
$11,304
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad rate
75.2
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best software engineering degree programs: U of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific, Brigham Young University-...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,438 to $35,580/year
Brigham Young University-... offers the most affordable option at $6,438/yr
Software Engineering degree programs available: 1 master's, 1 doctoral in Hawaii
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente
Tech hubs in Honolulu and Maui
Hakia Research 2026
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 6 accredited software engineering 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Software Engineering Degree Programs in Hawaii Worth It?
Answer
$102,450
Yes. The best software engineering degree programs in Hawaii deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $102,450 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $15,167/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Hawaii
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Hawaii by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Hawaii
4
Programs ranked
$15,167
Avg tuition/yr
78%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Hawaii ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering 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 software engineering 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 software engineering degrees in Hawaii, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Hawaii
1
Programs ranked
$11,304
Avg tuition/yr
66%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Hawaii offers 1 master's degree programs in software engineering, 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 software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$11,304
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad rate
72.1
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in Hawaii
1
Programs ranked
$11,304
Avg tuition/yr
66%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Hawaii is home to 1 doctoral programs in software engineering, 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 software engineering 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.
Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Hawaii
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,167/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $37,918/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,792/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $91,004 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $22,750 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Software Engineering Students in Hawaii
State Aid Programs
Students pursuing software engineering degrees in Hawaii have access to multiple layers of financial aid, starting with the federal FAFSA process. All prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at (Federal Student Aid) to unlock eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Beyond federal aid, Hawaii offers merit-based support through the Hawaii B Plus Scholarship, a state-funded program specifically designed for students attending University of Hawaii System campuses. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and can significantly reduce the cost of earning a software engineering degree at institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which enrolls the vast majority of the state's software engineering completions.
Key Programs & Amounts
The University of Hawaii System administers additional institutional scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to software engineering and computer science students. Prospective students should visit the (Hawaii B Plus Scholarship) page to learn about eligibility requirements and application deadlines. For those interested in pursuing advanced degrees, the University of Hawaii at Manoa also offers graduate financial aid for its 1 master's program in software engineering. Students exploring affordability should also investigate the College Scorecard at (College Scorecard), which provides detailed aid data and net price calculators for each institution. Additionally, prospective software engineers may find value in exploring related degree pathways such as (Computer Science in Hawaii) or (Computer Programming in Hawaii), which often qualify for the same financial aid programs.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Hawaii
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$133,333
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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
Software Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Hawaii metro areas
Honolulu$113K
Maui$108K
Kailua$102K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $113K |
| Maui | $108K |
| Kailua | $102K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Software Engineering Graduates in Hawaii
Find software engineering jobs in Hawaii. These major employers across Hawaii metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Honolulu
HIHawaiian Airlines
airline
Bank of Hawaii
finance
Oceanit
tech
Pacific Defense Solutions
defense
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
military
Transfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Hawaii
State Transfer System
Hawaii provides strong transfer pathways for software engineering students through the UH Transfer Database, which facilitates seamless movement between the state's 10 two-year institutions and 11 four-year colleges and universities. The University of Hawaii System has established articulation agreements that allow students to complete associate degrees, such as those offered at Leeward Community College, and transfer credits directly toward bachelor's degrees at universities like University of Hawaii at Manoa or University of Hawaii at Hilo. This systematic approach reduces time-to-degree and lowers overall education costs.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing the community college pathway benefit from smaller class sizes, affordable tuition averaging $3,144 at institutions like Leeward Community College, and focused foundational coursework in mathematics, programming, and computer science. The UH Transfer Database provides transparent course-mapping tools and credit equivalency information, enabling smooth transitions. Additionally, Hawaii's B Plus Scholarship, a merit-based aid program available to University of Hawaii students, supports transfer students continuing their education. Whether starting at a community college or entering a four-year program directly, students can explore related fields like web development, mobile development, and computer programming to enhance career readiness.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Hawaii?
Industry & Workforce
Hawaii offers a compelling destination for software engineering students, with 7 institutions currently offering degrees in the field across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state's software engineering programs produced 139 bachelor's completions in 2023, with the University of Hawaii at Manoa leading the charge at 124 completions. This concentration of talent reflects Hawaii's growing tech ecosystem and the increasing demand for skilled software engineers in the islands.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, Hawaii's unique geography and economy create distinctive career opportunities. Major employers including the U.S. Military, State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente actively recruit software engineers, particularly in the Honolulu metro area. The cost of attending public four-year institutions averages $7,284 in-state tuition, making Hawaii competitive with national programs. Students can also explore related fields through companion programs in computer science, web development, and mobile development to complement their software engineering education.
Software Engineering Program Availability in Hawaii
4 Programs
Hawaii offers 4 accredited software engineering programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Honolulu, Maui, Kailua.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Hawaii
Employment Outlook
Hawaii's software engineering job market is supported by a diverse employer base centered in the Honolulu metropolitan area and distributed across key island regions including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. The state's economy is anchored by major employers in both public and private sectors, creating stable demand for software engineering talent. According to (BLS State Data), Hawaii's technology sector continues to grow, with opportunities concentrated in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City. The presence of federal military installations and state government agencies drives consistent hiring in these regions, while private sector growth in hospitality technology and healthcare innovation adds additional job openings for software engineers seeking diverse career paths.
Salaries by Metro
Local educational institutions contribute directly to the job market pipeline. Hawaii's software engineering programs produced 139 bachelor's degree completions across 5 institutions in 2023, with the (University of Hawaii System) accounting for the majority of graduates (IPEDS). The University of Hawaii at Manoa leads with 124 completions, followed by Hawaii Pacific University with 11 completions and the University of Hawaii at Hilo with 10 completions. For students seeking advanced roles, 1 master's program and 1 doctoral program are available statewide, providing pathways to senior engineering and research positions. Prospective students should explore related programs like (Computer Science in Hawaii) and (Computer Programming in Hawaii) to understand the full spectrum of technology career options.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Hawaii$66,593$148,553
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Hawaii
Online Programs
0 available in Hawaii
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$13,650/yr$15,167/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Oregon
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $11,100
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
Software Engineering Degree Programs in Hawaii: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in Hawaii?
The best software engineering degree programs in Hawaii based on our methodology are: 1) University of Hawaii at Manoa (66% graduation rate), 2) Hawaii Pacific University, and 3) Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Hawaii offers 4 total accredited programs across 2 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 4 bachelor's programs.
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Hawaii?
Software Engineering degree program costs in Hawaii vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $15,167/year, while private institutions average $33,367/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,792/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $60,668 at public schools to $133,470 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in Hawaii?
Software Engineering professionals in Hawaii earn a median salary of $102,450, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $66,593, while senior roles exceed $148,553. Salaries vary by metro area: Honolulu ($112,695), Maui ($107,573) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online software engineering degree programs in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii offers 0 accredited online Software Engineering programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in Hawaii?
Major Software Engineering employers in Hawaii include Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, Servco. The Honolulu and Maui metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Hawaii universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Hawaii's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in Hawaii?
A software engineering degree program in Hawaii offers strong ROI with a $102,450 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $15,167/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($115,768), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do software engineering degree programs take in Hawaii?
Standard completion times for software engineering degree programs in Hawaii are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Hawaii community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Hawaii university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for software engineering degree students in Hawaii?
Hawaii software engineering degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Hawaii state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Hawaii's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Hawaii salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
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.