The College Consensus ranking of the Best Online Colleges in Hawaii combines the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create a unique college meta-ranking. This approach offers a comprehensive and holistic perspective missing from other college rankings. Visit our about page for information on which rankings and review sites were included in this year’s consensus rankings.
The Best Online Colleges & Universities in Hawaii category is limited to schools in Hawaii offering at least three fully-online degree programs at any level. Schools that did not qualify for a Consensus Score were ranked by their Student Review score.
Looking for campus schools? Check out our ranking of the Best Colleges & Universities in Hawaii. You can also find out more about college financial aid with our list of the Top 5 Hawaii Scholarships.
Online Learning in Hawaii
Distance education and online degrees have an extended benefit for Hawaiians who are considering choosing this educational path. Residents of the state of Hawaii experience quite a bit of difficulty as compared to residents in other states. While some of the geographical challenges in other states include rural locations, Hawaii natives experience similar issues, but for them, they may be several islands over and are unable to make it to a physical class. Because of their geographical challenges, these students have not in the past been able to pursue competitive careers that residents in other states have been able to pursue.
With online colleges in Hawaii, students are able to expand their education options. By choosing a Hawaii online school, working adults have access to the same degree programs as other citizens and maximize their career potential. They receive access to the same support systems and resources as students living on campus. By broadening their career options, they are able to provide more adequately for their families and encounter options that were not previously available for the community before.
In addition to benefit their families, choosing a Hawaii online college will also benefit the local economy, as these individuals are able to bring better working practices to these rural areas and more opportunities. For those who are able to pursue degrees in areas such as business, they take on more entrepreneurial careers, which enhances the quality of the overall community.
Why Are the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Universities So Important?
The University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Universities are essential to the state of Hawaii because they are accredited online colleges in Hawaii. Accreditation refers to the review of an institutions programs and curriculums and determines if they meet the minimum standards required for that program. Most institutions desire to achieve quality accreditation, as it encourages prospective students to consider their programs and encourage other licensing agencies to review their programs.
Most employers review programs and their institutions before hiring graduates to seek out their accreditation. For them, it is essential that their new employees understand the basic skills needed to perform successfully in their current fields. This is a part of the mission of both the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University, to provide education that is above standard and allows their students the ability to find gainful employment following graduation.
For students who may want to advance their education into the next degree level at a different institution, whether it’s an online associates degrees, bachelor’s completion programs, or online master’s degrees, they too will also check the accreditation of the school. With accredited programs and institutions, these schools have confirmation that the student has a thorough and adequate foundation in the fundamentals of their program and are ready to pursue a higher-level degree.
Since Hawaii is limited to institutions, most students and residents in the state consider these institutions as their leading options. These accredited online colleges in Hawaii give them equal educational opportunities because their programs meet the same criteria as other programs on the mainland, making them competitive. The University of Hawaii is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Hawaii Pacific University is also accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Both of these institutions are also closely connected to the unique culture of Hawaii, with their foundations embedded in the local culture and philosophy. Unlike other institutions, these two universities were designed with Hawaii in mind and providing equal opportunity to those residing on the islands.
Are There Online Community Colleges in Hawaii?
Yes, there are online community colleges in the state of Hawaii. In the University of Hawaii system, there are ten campuses, with several of them being community colleges. They are:
- Honolulu Community College
- Kaua’i Community College
- Hawai’i Community College
- Kapi’olani Community College
- Leeward Community College
- Windward Community College
- University of Hawai’i Maui College
These campuses are found throughout the islands and offer a variety of programs that include distance learning for their residents. The Hawaii community college online courses that are offered are designed in a digital format to offer students the ability to interact with their instructors and peers as they would in a traditional setting.
The range of programs that are offered at these online community colleges in the state of Hawaii includes a collaboration of everything from technology and nursing to business and liberal studies. Whether these students have commitments to full-time positions or other familial obligations that prevent them from attending campus full-time.
Access to these online community colleges in Hawaii gives their students affordable options, as they are a part of the University of Hawaii system, and students can save on student loans. Students enrolled in these programs are provided academic advisors that will give them the guidance that they need in order for them to continue their students and maintain academic excellence in their program.
Students are also allowed to utilize financial aid to fund their Hawaii community college courses through federal loans and grants based upon financial need. Each campus is complete with a financial aid office to assist students with any questions or concerns they may have.
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