The Top Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii boasts a captivating landscape, characterized by year-round tropical weather and breathtaking natural wonders. Moreover, nursing programs in the state exhibit an impressive National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, surpassing the national average.
If the idea of residing and practicing nursing in Hawaii captivates you, given the high demand for healthcare professionals, it’s crucial to explore the best nursing schools in the region. This guide aims to assist you in identifying the optimal nursing school in Hawaii aligned with your career aspirations, shedding light on the process of obtaining a nursing license in this picturesque state.
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The Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii hosts nine Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, in addition to two Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) programs. The commendable average NCLEX-RN pass rate stands at 91.3%, surpassing the national rate of 86.6%.
Our Ranking Method: Employing a data-driven approach, we rank the best nursing schools in Hawaii, simplifying the process for you to identify a program tailored to your needs. Our methodology hinges on crucial student-centric metrics, encompassing academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program diversity. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
The Top Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Located in Hilo, Hawai’i, and part of the University of Hawai’i system, UH Hilo offers both bachelor’s and doctoral nursing programs. The school’s nursing emphasis lies in rural populations and transcultural training. The four-year Basic BSN program commences with two years of general education and pre-core requirements, with formal admission into the nursing program occurring in the third year. Additionally, the university provides a one-year RN-to-BSN option for registered nurses.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Hilo, Hawai’i
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $306 per credit for Hawai’i residents; $846 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 2.7 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73.5%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,357 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $7,344
Out-of-state: $20,304
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,736
Out-of-state: $26,568
Retention Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 52%
Students Enrolled: 3,372
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 33%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
2. University of Hawaii at Manoa
Established in 1907, UH Mānoa stands as the oldest and largest among the University of Hawai’i system campuses. The School of Nursing awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, offering two options within the BSN program. The direct entry pathway spans four years for high school graduates, while a three-year plan of study caters to current UH Mānoa students, transfer students, and veteran students.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Honolulu, Hawai’i
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $471 per credit for Hawai’i residents; $1,389 per credit for out-of-state students; $707 per credit for Pacific Island Jurisdiction and Western Undergraduate Exchange students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 3 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $70,710 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $11,304
Out-of-state: $33,336
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $15,912
Out-of-state: $37,392
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 58%
Students Enrolled: 17,490
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 20%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
3. Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade, the sole Catholic university in Hawai’i and one of three U.S. universities sponsored by the Marianist order, holds federal designation as a Native Hawaiian-serving institution. The School of Nursing presents a 132-credit direct-entry BSN for first-year and transfer enrollees. Additionally, students with completed general education and nursing prerequisites can opt for a 24-month accelerated BSN program.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Honolulu, Hawai’i
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $34,294 per year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 2.5 GPA; written statement; letters of recommendation
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.3%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,343 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $26,020
Out-of-state: $26,020
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $24,000
Out-of-state: $24,000
Retention Rate: 86%
Admission Rate: 95%
Students Enrolled: 2,167
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 55%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
4. Hawaii Pacific University
Situated in Honolulu, Hawai’i Pacific University stands among the nation’s most culturally diverse higher learning institutions. The School of Nursing offers online and on-campus graduate degrees alongside various campus-based undergraduate degrees. Undergraduate programs encompass a four-year BSN tailored for first-year students, with additional options such as LPN/LVN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN for working nurses. Furthermore, military hospital corpsmen can access an HM-to-BSN program.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Honolulu, Hawai’i
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $18,660 per
semester
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; list of extracurricular activities; personal statement
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.7%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,990 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $27,000
Out-of-state: $27,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $20,250
Out-of-state: $20,250
Retention Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 75%
Students Enrolled: 4,170
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 39%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 The University of Hawaii Maui College
Kahului, HI
Duration: 4 years
Mode: Online + Campus
Founded in 1931 initially as a vocational school, this public community college offers associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor of applied science degrees. The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at UHMC is designed to prepare graduates for seamless transition into the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s BSN program. Additionally, the ASN program provides an opportunity for students to exit at the practical nurse level with a certificate of achievement.
Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus: Kahului, Hawai’i
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $131-$306 per credit for Hawai’i residents; $345-$846 per credit for out-of-state students; $197-$459 for Pacific Island Jurisdiction and Western Undergraduate Exchange students
Admission Requirements: Hawai’i resident; minimum C average; completion of prerequisites; TEAS scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.2%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,020 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $3,144
Out-of-state: $8,280
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 2,992
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 39%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
How to Select a Nursing Program in Hawaii
When contemplating a nursing school in Hawaii, it is vital to consider factors such as costs and financial aid, the institution’s reputation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission requirements and acceptance rates, and program logistics. If opting for an online nursing program in Hawaii, ensuring the availability of local clinical placement is crucial.
Reasons to Pursue a Nursing Career in Hawaii
Nurses in Hawaii enjoy some of the highest salary rates in the nation. The average salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) surpasses the national median by over 35%, and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn more than 10% above the national median. Despite the higher cost of living, nurse salaries in Hawaii still exceed the state’s average salary.
Hawaii is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring temperatures ranging from 75-85°F and predominantly sunny weather. The state attracts people globally for water activities like snorkeling and surfing, as well as its stunning hiking trails.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Hawaii
While Hawaii holds the title of the most expensive state to live in with its cost-of-living index at 185.6, it compensates with elevated salaries for healthcare professionals. The average RN salary is $104,830, and the average NP salary is $118,780, surpassing the national median RN salary of $75,330 and the national NP median salary of $117,670, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The projected job growth for RNs in Hawaii is 12.2% between 2018 and 2028, slightly exceeding the national growth projection of 12.1%. The BLS anticipates a 23.8% growth for NP jobs in Hawaii, albeit slower than the 28.2% national projection, but still above average.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects a surplus of 3,300 nurses in Hawaii by 2030. However, these projections might not fully consider the impact of nurses leaving healthcare during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, faculty shortages in nursing schools in Hawaii constrain the number of graduates.
Due to Hawaii’s geographical layout, even its cities are in close proximity to outdoor recreational activities. Most Hawaiians reside on O’ahu, where Honolulu is located, while Kahului — Wailuku — Lahaina makeup Maui, situated northeast of O’ahu.
Top-Paying Cities for Nurses in Hawaii
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Kahului — Wailuku — Lahaina | $101,080 |
| Urban Honolulu | $106,770 |
Source: BLS
Steps to Become a Nurse in Hawaii
Every state has specific RN requirements, necessitating the completion of a nursing program, successful passage of the NCLEX-RN or APRN board examinations, and fulfillment of a criminal background check. In Hawaii, if an individual fails the NCLEX-RN examination thrice, whether in Hawaii or another state, they are required to undertake a 60-hour remedial course before being eligible for reexamination.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in Hawaii, one must graduate from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and successfully pass the NCLEX exam. The application process includes submitting a copy of an official government ID and a Social Security card to the state board of nursing. Additionally, the school must send a sealed copy of the transcript, and fingerprints are required for a criminal background check.
APRN Requirements
For an APRN license, applicants must hold a current RN license and possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Successful completion of the board certification examination for the chosen specialization is also mandatory. In Hawaii, APRNs enjoy full-practice authority. The application process involves sending an official sealed MSN or DNP transcript to the state board of nursing, along with a copy of the Social Security card and an official government ID.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing in Hawaii
How long does it take to become a nurse in Hawaii?
The duration to earn an ADN is two years, while a BSN degree takes four years, whether attending nursing school in Hawaii or another state. While a BSN requires a more extended commitment, it holds added value for higher-level positions or for those aspiring to earn an MSN. The application processing period typically ranges from 45 to 60 working days.
What is the cost of nursing school in Hawaii?
For in-state tuition, ADN nursing programs in Hawaii generally cost between $3,000-$6,000 annually. BSN programs at public schools cost around $15,000-$18,000 for in-state students, and private or out-of-state public schools may have costs exceeding $30,000. Individuals attending on-campus nursing programs in Hawaii should also factor in the cost of living.
Is there a demand for nurses in Hawaii?
The demand for nurses in Hawaii is substantial, particularly due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population. Hawaii’s allure as a retirement destination further contributes to the sustained high demand for nurses.
Is it challenging to secure a nursing job in Hawaii?
While nursing jobs are growing faster on a national scale than in Hawaii, the demand for nurses in the state remains high. Factors such as the impact of COVID-19 and a shortage of faculty in nursing schools in Hawaii contribute to this demand.
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