Hawaii Pacific University is a private university based in Honolulu, Hawaii, with additional facilities in Kaneohe and at military installations on Oahu. Founded in 1965, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs through colleges focused on business, liberal arts, natural and computational sciences, professional studies, and health sciences. The university operates in urban and waterfront settings, including the Aloha Tower Marketplace area in downtown Honolulu. Hawaii Pacific University serves a diverse student population, including military-affiliated students and international students, and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
With a 85.87% acceptance rate, Hawaii Pacific University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Hawaii Pacific University was founded in 1965 as Hawaii Pacific College after receiving a charter from the State of Hawaii. Established to create a private liberal arts college in Honolulu, the institution began expanding quickly during its early years. In 1967, James L. Meader became the first president and helped develop its academic framework. The college gained accreditation in the early 1970s and introduced business and cooperative education programs. In 1990, Hawaii Pacific College officially became Hawaii Pacific University, reflecting its growth in graduate education. In 1992, Hawaii Loa College merged with Hawaii Pacific University, expanding its academic offerings and campus presence. During the 2010s, the university redeveloped the Aloha Tower Marketplace as part of its downtown Honolulu campus and formally integrated the Oceanic Institute in 2014. Today, Hawaii Pacific University operates across multiple sites on Oahu and continues to evolve within Hawaii’s higher education landscape.
Hawaii Pacific University has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing a balance between personalized instruction and a broader classroom environment. Students can expect opportunities to engage with professors while also benefiting from diverse perspectives in class discussions.
Applying to Hawaii Pacific University involves submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores where required, and supporting materials such as essays or recommendation letters. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University reviews applications holistically, considering academic preparation, personal background, and future goals. Prospective students can apply for undergraduate or graduate programs across business, health sciences, liberal arts, and other fields offered at its Oahu campuses.
Hawaii Pacific University provides financial aid options that may include institutional scholarships, federal and state grants, loans, and military-related education benefits. Students applying to Hawaii Pacific University are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based assistance. The university also offers merit-based awards and program-specific scholarships to help manage tuition and living costs in Honolulu.
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