Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaiʻi

Hawaii Pacific University is the more selective of the two at 86%, versus 87% at University of Hawaiʻi. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Hawaii Pacific University
Accessible
86%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1150
Private · Hawaii
University of Hawaiʻi
Accessible
87%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1220
Public · Hawaii

Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaiʻi: the differences that matter

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

Hawaii Pacific University and University of Hawaiʻi are almost equally selective (86% vs 87%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Hawaii Pacific University leans more on interview, level of applicant interest, while University of Hawaiʻi puts more weight on standardized test scores, state residency. 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 Pacific University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1150 and University of Hawaiʻi's is around 1220. Admitted students at University of Hawaiʻi 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 Pacific UniversityUniversity of Hawaiʻi
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresconsideredimportant
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaiʻi harder to get into?

Hawaii Pacific University is harder to get into, with a 86% acceptance rate versus 87% at University of Hawaiʻi.

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

Hawaii Pacific University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1150, and University of Hawaiʻi's is around 1220.

What are my chances at Hawaii Pacific University and University of Hawaiʻi?

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