The nursing program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo was established in 1992 to address the nursing workforce needs of Hawaii Island, and it is part of UH Hilo, which was founded in 1941 and became a four-year institution in 1970. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with advanced practice tracks, along with a Doctor of Nursing Practice. It is known for its emphasis on rural and underserved community health, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health, and strong clinical partnerships across Hawaii Island.
Students train in small cohorts with close faculty mentorship at a campus set on the lush east side of Hawaii Island, near volcanoes, rainforest, and ocean. The curriculum integrates Hawaiian cultural values, simulation labs, and clinical placements at Hilo Medical Center and community clinics. The student body is highly diverse, and graduates frequently stay to serve island communities facing nursing shortages.
| Type | Public |
| Location | Hilo, Hawaii |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Total students | 2,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Competitive; ~50% for nursing |
| Graduation rate | 40% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
| In-state tuition | $12,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $34,000 |
| Room & board | $13,000 |
| Average financial aid | $9,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
| SAT range | Not required |
| ACT range | Not required |
| Average GPA | 3.20 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.