Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Honolulu, Hawaii
69.7% Acceptance Rate
University of Hawaii at Manoa — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
69.7%Acceptance Rate
3.67Avg GPA
1157Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$23,832Annual Cost
$57,624Grad Salary
24.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
69.7%
Avg GPA
3.67
Avg SAT
1157
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1020–1240
ACT Middle 50%
20–27
Avg Net Price
$13,181
Need-Based Aid
24.5% receive Pell
University of Hawaii at Manoa, established in 1907, is the flagship Pacific research university with strengths in oceanography and indigenous studies. The 320-acre Honolulu campus features the Lyon Arboretum. UH Manoa's 'Hawaiian Studies' program preserves native knowledge.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Acceptance Rate
At 69.7%, admission to University of Hawaii at Manoa is achievable for most students who meet the basic academic profile.
What UHM Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 69.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.22
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Hawaii at Manoa Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Hawaii at Manoa is February 1 for Priority applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 173 days left — Priority
Priority
February 1
Regular
March 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (March 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UHM GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UHM is 3.67. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.37 and 3.67? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.87–4.07.UHM GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.27 – 3.46
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.26
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Program competitiveness varies significantly by major.
- Academic rigor matters more for selective pathways.
- Research-oriented students often align well with institutional priorities.
- Major-specific planning should begin early.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UHM
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Hawaii at Manoa's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if UHM is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into UHM Without SAT or ACT?
UHM considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Average SAT Score: 1157
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Hawaii at Manoa is 1157 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1157 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1240 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Hawaii at Manoa allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1020, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UHM. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 540 | 480 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1157 | 1020 | 1240 |
Below 1020, you're behind most admitted students; at 1240 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of UHM's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at UHM is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 20 | 27 |
Can I get into University of Hawaii at Manoa with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of UHM's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at UHM.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UHM
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into UHM isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Demonstrate Strong Academic Preparation for Intended Major
UH M'noa attracts students across highly competitive fields including engineering, business, marine biology, nursing, and natural sciences. Applicants should complete rigorous college-preparatory coursework that aligns with their intended major before applying.
Apply Early for Selective Programs
While university admission may be accessible for qualified students, programs such as nursing, engineering, and business can be significantly more competitive and often require additional planning.
Highlight Pacific, Global, or Research Interests
Students who demonstrate interest in international studies, sustainability, ocean sciences, Asian-Pacific issues, or research opportunities often align well with institutional strengths.
Build a Strong Senior-Year Academic Record
Admissions reviewers expect continued academic performance throughout high school. Maintaining strong grades through graduation remains important.
Expert Insight:
Many applicants focus only on university admission and underestimate the competitiveness of specific majors, especially nursing and STEM-related programs.
UHM Profile
Full Name
University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM)
City
Honolulu
State
Hawaii
ZIP Code
96822-2217
Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a UHM Degree Worth It?
Whether UHM is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $71,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.53%.
How much does a degree from UHM Cost?
The sticker price is $23,832/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $13,181.
24.5% of students receive a Pell Grant and 27.4% take federal loans at UHM. File your FAFSA early and list UHM as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a UHM Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $57,624. That's about 42% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Hawaii at Manoa. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 1119 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Hawaii at Manoa. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Hawaii at Manoa. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at UHM
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UHM Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Hawaii at Manoa run about $57,624 a year.
At about $23,832 a year, University of Hawaii at Manoa is on the more affordable end.
University of Hawaii at Manoa's Pell Grant rate of 24.5% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 69.7%, University of Hawaii at Manoa's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Hawaii at Manoa average a 3.67 GPA.
University of Hawaii at Manoa doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.37 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.27, University of Hawaii at Manoa becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Hawaii at Manoa — aim above 1157, ideally within the 1020–1240 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of Hawaii at Manoa is February 1 for Priority applicants.
The application fee is 70. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is March 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.