Chaminade University of Honolulu logo

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Accept Rate
92.63%
Grad Rate
62.3%
Enrollment
1,648
Avg SAT
1155
Tuition
$29,970
Median Salary
$52,343
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Chaminade University offers a tight-knit, culturally rich campus experience rooted in its Hawaiian and Catholic identity, with a strong sense of 'ohana (family) among students and faculty. Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, the urban setting provides a unique blend of spiritual tranquility and city energy, making it feel both grounded and dynamic.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

92.63%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 115575th Pctl
10851320
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight any community service or leadership roles in your application, as Chaminade values its mission-driven, service-oriented community. 2. Since the acceptance rate is high (92.63%), ensure your application is complete and submitted early to show genuine interest. 3. If you have a passion for Hawaii's unique ecosystem or culture, mention it in your personal essay to align with the university's local focus.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1155
40080012001600
School range: 1085โ€“1320

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Chaminade is renowned for its professional programs, particularly in health professions, criminal justice, and education, with a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. The university provides personalized attention with a low 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and research opportunities are accessible even to undergraduates, especially in fields like biology and environmental science.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
27.1%
Criminal Justice
15.6%
Business & Marketing
11.5%
Education
9.2%
Psychology
6%
Biology & Biomedical
5.2%
Natural Resources
5.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.5%
Communications
2%
History
1.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

62.3%
Graduation Rate
74%
Retention Rate
1,648
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$29,970
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,061
After financial aid
Total Cost
$43,637
Cost of attendance/year
42.2%
Receive Pell Grants
37.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Urban Honolulu

Students enjoy easy access to Honolulu's vibrant city life, including world-class beaches, hiking trails like Diamond Head, and a bustling food scene with diverse local cuisine. Off-campus activities often involve surfing, exploring historical sites like Pearl Harbor, or enjoying the nightlife and shopping in nearby Waikiki.

Local Rent Check

$1,720 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Urban Honolulu
Explore Urban Honolulu

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$119,880
$0Est. 4 Years: $119,880

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,343):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy urban area of Honolulu, so students should practice standard city safety awareness, especially at night. While the university has its own campus security, the surrounding urban environment requires students to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong focus on professional programs like health and criminal justice with hands-on learning.
  • โœ“ Low student-faculty ratio (12:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
  • โœ“ Unique location in Honolulu provides access to outdoor activities and a diverse cultural environment.
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an attainable option for many students.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is relatively high for a private university, and the average net price may still be a burden.
  • โœ— Graduation rate (62.3%) is below the national average for private institutions.
  • โœ— Urban setting can be distracting and may not offer the traditional 'college town' experience.

Notable Alumni

Tulsi Gabbard
Former U.S. Representative for Hawaii and 2020 presidential candidate.
John D. Waiheสปe III
Former Governor of Hawaii and a prominent figure in state politics.
Kaui Hart Hemmings
Author of 'The Descendants,' which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chaminade is known for its strong professional programs in health professions, criminal justice, and education, as well as its unique Hawaiian and Catholic identity. It emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and has a notable focus on environmental and cultural studies relevant to the Pacific region.

No, Chaminade has a relatively high acceptance rate of 92.63%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. The average SAT score is 1155, and the university considers a holistic review process, including essays and extracurriculars, especially those aligned with its service-oriented mission.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a small enrollment of 1,648 students fostering a close-knit 'ohana (family) atmosphere. Students engage in a mix of spiritual activities, cultural events, and outdoor adventures, with easy access to Honolulu's urban amenities and natural beauty.

For students pursuing high-demand fields like health professions in Hawaii, the degree can be worth the investment, with 10-year median earnings of $52,343. The average net price of $28,061 and financial aid options like Pell Grants (42.2% rate) help improve affordability, but the ROI depends on the chosen major and career path.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Queen's Medical Center Hawaii State Government Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines University of Hawaii System
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,937
  • In-State Tuition $29,970
  • Zip Code 96816

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 27.4% โ™€ 72.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $28,061 and a Pell Grant rate of 42.2%, Chaminade is relatively accessible for students with financial need. The 10-year median earnings of $52,343 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment, especially for those entering high-demand fields like health professions in Hawaii.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $29,970
Housing (12 mo) $20,640
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $57,810
With avg financial aid:
$28,061/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.