Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii

Originally part of the University of Hawaii Manoa, the University of Hawaii at Hilo split in 1970 and has since become one of the best regional schools. The bulk of UH Hilo’s 2,700 students are undergraduates pursuing degrees like the traditional BSN. This transfer-friendly BSN lets you transfer credits from any UH school directly into the program.

UH Hilo only offers two doctoral programs, one of which is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Once students complete their BSN, they can apply to the BSN-DNP program, a three-year, eight-semester on-campus degree. UH Hilo also boasts that it is the only BSN program on the outer islands and offers students exclusive rural clinical learning experiences. 

Although it’s mostly known as an online school, the University of Phoenix actually has a campus in Kapolei on Oahu. So, while most of the courses are online, nursing students can still enjoy the campus lifestyle. The University of Phoenix Hawaii doesn’t yet have a traditional BSN program, but Hawaii students can attend an RN-to-BSN bridge, multiple MSN programs, and a DNP.

Chaminade University is the only Catholic college in Hawaii, though religion doesn’t play a central role in the school’s curriculum. The 1,028 undergraduate students enrolled represent 20 different religions, so Chaminade may still be a good fit if you aren’t Catholic. 

Nursing students at Chaminade have one option: a traditional BSN. Graduates of this program have an excellent track record on the NCLEX, possibly due to Chaminade’s emphasis on mentorship. Also, while the price is high compared to in-state tuition at other major universities, 98% of students receive some form of financial aid, so the price could be much lower than the tuition represents.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the oldest school in the UH system. Based in Honolulu, it is also the largest school in the public system and one of the most diverse universities in the nation. Despite its large size, UH Manoa boasts an average class size of 20 students, and students in the School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene can expect even more intimate classes. The BSN has a direct entry option for current high school students, and some graduate-level degrees can be completed online. 

While Hawaii Pacific University is primarily based in Honolulu, the school also has its Hawaii-Loa campus northeast of Honolulu that offers a traditional college experience.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of HPU is that it’s a non-religious private school, which is a rarity in higher education. Of course, future nurses should care most about the quality of the traditional BSN. Hawaii Pacific University also offers a relatively new DNP program with two pathways: MSN to DNP and BSN to DNP. 

Based in Hilo, Hawaii Community College doesn’t offer a four-year nursing degree. However, as part of the UH system, future nurses can complete their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in two years at Hawaii CC, take and pass the NCLEX, and then complete an RN-BSN program at another school. 

Pacific Islander students who aren’t Hawaii residents receive a discounted tuition rate that’s only slightly higher than the in-state tuition rate. So, even if you aren’t from Hawaii, you could still be eligible for a huge tuition discount. Hawaii CC only graduates a handful of students each year but has an impressive NCLEX pass rate. 

Originally a technical school, Kapiolani Community College has grown into an important part of the University of Hawaii system. Much like Hawaii CC, Kapiolani CC doesn’t have a traditional nursing program. Instead, students can complete an ASN, pass the NCLEX, and then earn a BSN through an RN-BSN program.

Fortunately, Kapiolani CC nursing students have excelled on the NCLEX in the past, so future students are practically guaranteed a quality education. Kapiolani CC shares a lot in common with Hawaii CC, including the same tuition rates and structure. 

Serving as the UH system’s community college on Kauai, the University of Hawaii – Kauai Community College offers many of the same options as other UH community colleges.

Students interested in nursing should select the AS in nursing that leads to becoming an RN. From here, graduates can pass the NCLEX and then enroll in an RN-BSN program elsewhere in Hawaii. This two-year program is ideal for anyone living on or planning to live on Kauai. 

The University of Hawaii – Maui College boasts small class sizes, a beautiful campus, and a prime location on Maui. Maui College doesn’t offer a complete BSN program, though students who want a BSN can complete their first two years at Maui College and then transfer directly into UH Manoa’s BSN. Upper-division courses cost more for both residents and non-residents, so if you plan on completing a four-year degree, expect to pay higher tuition during years three and four.

While Aspen College is technically located in Colorado, this college’s online presence is among the best in the nation. For aspiring nurses looking to begin their career in Hawaii, the best option offered through Aspen College is to complete the entire online RN-BSN. Of course, students must first become RNs, though there are plenty of options scattered over multiple islands in Hawaii. In terms of flexibility and affordability, Aspen College is an excellent option for completing your BSN.