Hawaii Hilo vs Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University is the more selective of the two at 68%, versus 75% at Hawaii Hilo. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Hawaii Hilo
Moderately selective
75%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1120
Public · Hawaii
Hawaii Pacific University
Moderately selective
68%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1150
Private · Hawaii

Hawaii Hilo vs Hawaii Pacific University: the differences that matter

How Hawaii Hilo and Hawaii Pacific University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Hawaii Pacific University is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 68% of applicants versus 75% at Hawaii Hilo, a gap of roughly 7 percentage points. Treat Hawaii Pacific University as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.

The two also read applications a little differently. Hawaii Hilo leans more on standardized test scores, while Hawaii Pacific University puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, interview. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Hawaii Hilo's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1120 and Hawaii Pacific University's is around 1150. Admitted students at Hawaii Pacific University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorHawaii HiloHawaii Pacific University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Hawaii Hilo or Hawaii Pacific University harder to get into?

Hawaii Pacific University is harder to get into, with a 68% acceptance rate versus 75% at Hawaii Hilo.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Hawaii Hilo and Hawaii Pacific University?

Hawaii Hilo's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1120, and Hawaii Pacific University's is around 1150.

What are my chances at Hawaii Hilo and Hawaii Pacific University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.