Find a Job You Really Want In
As college freshmen embark on their educational journeys, one of the most critical factors influencing their choice of institution is the potential for enhanced job prospects. In an evolving job market, students are increasingly concerned about securing employment after graduation.
Hawaii stands out as a unique destination for higher education, offering a range of prestigious research universities and quality state schools that prepare students for successful careers. With its picturesque landscapes and diverse culture, attending college in Hawaii presents distinct advantages.
Given the plethora of excellent colleges in the state, we sought to identify which institutions are most effective at helping their graduates secure employment. Using reliable data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard, we’ve compiled this updated list of the top colleges for jobs in Hawaii for 2026.
Below is a look at the ten best colleges for job placement in Hawaii:
- Hawaii Pacific University
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Remington College-Honolulu Campus
- University of Hawaii at Hilo
- University of Hawaii-West Oahu
- Pacific Rim Christian University
- University of Hawaii Maui College
- Brigham Young University-Hawaii
For those attending these institutions, the prospects are promising, thanks to their robust career services and industry connections.
For others who are exploring their options, let’s delve into the specific strengths of these colleges and why they are particularly effective at preparing students for the workforce.
How We Determined The Best Schools In Hawaii For Jobs
To identify the best colleges for job placement in Hawaii, we analyzed College Scorecard Data, focusing on the institutions with the highest employment rates for graduates ten years post-graduation.
Our analysis was restricted to the nine public and non-profit, four-year institutions in Hawaii that confer at least a bachelor’s degree.
We ranked each college based on the percentage of graduates employed, rounding each institution’s rating to two decimal places for clarity. Hawaii Pacific University topped the list, recognized as the ‘Best College For Jobs in Hawaii.’
Best Colleges For Getting A Job In Hawaii
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii Pacific University | 89.08% |
| 2 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | 86.01% |
| 3 | Chaminade University of Honolulu | 84.16% |
| 4 | Remington College-Honolulu Campus | 83.25% |
| 5 | University of Hawaii at Hilo | 81.61% |
| 6 | University of Hawaii-West Oahu | 80.56% |
| 7 | Pacific Rim Christian University | 78.2% |
| 8 | University of Hawaii Maui College | 78.01% |
| 9 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 73.74% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
