Hawai'i Pacific University Reviews

"HPU is overpriced and undereducated. Please take note that this school has a 14% graduation rate. That in itself is a big red flag. Nobody finishes because nobody stays. HPU's offices are run by student work-study staff, who barely answer the phone and/or emails. The Registrar and Financial Aid offices are very unprofessional and unorganized and unreachable, which is detrimental to receiving a degree. And if you're expecting a refund, you'll never get it. The school is losing money because of the high drop-out rate, so they're selling their buildings and properties, and then renting the space to continue classroom operations. They are now piling 3 to 4 students into 1 dorm room, and the dorms are very unsanitary and gross, because they're never cleaned. Since the air conditioning doesn't work in some buildings, some of the cots have mold growing. So, if you're living on campus, purchase your own mattress. The only good thing about HPU is the outside scenery, but that can be said for the beautiful island itself.Read Less"

"I expected more for the amount of money I paid. Students are expected to find their own clinicals. Broken and out-dated equipment in the skills lab. Great adjunct faculty but were treated poorly by administration. There is NO graduate support team, everything is pretty much handled by the Dean's secretary. Not going to continue here."

"HPU was a great place to learn and being on the island didn't hurt. All my professors were knowledgeable and committed to their field. As a student in the military campus program it was important for me to study at an institution that understood the unique challenges associated with being a military student. HPU did not disappoint. They worked just as hard as I did to ensure my success."

"I transferred to Hawaii Pacific University after 2 years at Coastal Carolina University. Both of these schools had what I was looking for in my undergraduate experience. I wanted a low student to teacher ratio along with a reputable Marine Science program, close to the ocean. Professors were very knowledgeable and made the field seem so exciting. I wish they shared about their journey to employment. I only wish that I was provided with more information on how to start a career. On my own, I found out that most early careers in Marine Biology are not sufficient if you have a family. My daughter was born one month after I graduated. There were plenty of jobs which required extensive travel, for very little pay. When I moved to Maui, I learned that there are all sorts of jobs that would love to have me as a volunteer. I know so many people who chose majors without putting much thought involved. From the second grade, I knew that I wanted to be a Marine Biologist. I went to Marine Science camps in the summer and worked at the National Aquarium in Baltimore when I was in high school (the only student selected by my teachers for a special program). And here I am, in my 7th year of substitute teaching. I have applied to countless jobs and scholarships. I am getting so tired of rejection. I am in my 3rd Masters Program to teach secondary biology. I am hopeful that things will turn around soon.Read Less"

"Required students to set up their own clinicals."

"College is a great place to learn discipline and figure out what interests you"

"I attended before the acquisition of Aloha Tower. The Windward campus was pretty bare bones and I not close to other sites. A shuttle to take students from the dorms to Kaneohe or town would be nice. The college community is great, with many events"

"Wonderful adjunct professors who give the students a grasp of the real world in their respective jobs and classes. Most teachers worked full time in business institutions and brought their real world teachings into the class."

"HPU has taught me that not only does student diversity play an important role in university culture, but our professors are as helping and endearing as can be. They make sure that you are not only academically successful, but they give you the tools necessary to become a professional with your degree. HPU has the closest knit family of programs I have heard of and witnessed, I am so proud to be apart of such a diverse and amazing university!"

"Hawaii... What a place to be for college! I highly recommend my school for 3 reasons: Professor availability and involvement with students, diversity of classmates, and school pride. The professors at HPU were and always are so attentive. Classes are smaller than those of a huge college but these class sizes were absolutely perfect for me. Not only could I interact one on one with my professors, but I could easily be in contact with them as well. Almost every single one of my professors was willing and open to helping me better my grades and understanding of the subject. They really prepared me for the future, I feel. The diversity of people on campus is another huge plus for my school. From Americans to Europeans to kids from Asia, we have them all! Being able to really interact with kids from different parts of the world inspired and changed me. I love to travel now. Lastly but not least, our campus and school spirit here at HPU are awesome. As a student athlete, I first hand experienced the support from the school, professors and faculty members. Our campus is newly renovated and right on the water... What more could you ask for?! Student housing is affordable, beautiful, and new as well. If you are looking for a great school to attend for college, I would highly recommend Hawaii Pacific University. Between the cultural diversity, campus, and professors who are dedicated to helping your future, you are solely set up for success and nothing less!Read Less"

"Hawaii Pacific University is a private university. It is a small school and I like it because the class sizes are a lot smaller than an average college. HPU offers all of the resources you need in order to have a successful future. HPU also has a great nursing program!"

"I am really enjoying my graduate experience thus far. The field of social work is very diverse and it provides a broad spectrum of populations to work with. If you have a heart to help people, particularly those who are disenfranchised, it may be the field for you."

"The downtown campus is dirty, which I did not like. The instructors were great, but the classrooms were a little ghetto. The academic advisers were difficult to get in touch with, which made graduating for some students hard. I would not recommend this school."

"I enrolled in this school on a whim, graduated a little over four years later. As a local to the island, it was a new experience to be a minority. There seemed to be more international students than local students. The diversity was wonderful and led to interesting class discussions about world events, but one would expect more Hawaiian students. Regardless, I enjoyed the experience, and a couple of years later, my husband enrolled and is now also alumni."

"A great pro to me program is that it is easy for distance learners to complete their degree no matter where they are. The program itself is also very intuitive since it blends history and political science with other disciplines to create a well rounded curriculum. I cannot think of any cons within the program itself."

"The professors are amazing people that are both knowledgable and helpful in the field of education. The academic advising staff is very helpful and always willing to assist students on their venture through the graduate program. Internally, HPU's graduate program was a great experience. HPU's downfall is the location and parking. It is centered in Chinatown and has quite a few homeless around. Walking with a partner after night classes get out is recommended. Also, very limited or pricey parking is available for students.Read Less"

"The pros of the graduate program include online and evening courses that are great for a student that works full time, diversity among students as there are students from multiple countries, and knowledgeable professors with years of experience. I have no cons of the graduate program."

"The professors at HPU are interested in helping their students succeed. The main campus is in down town Honolulu which means there is plenty opportunity to meet new people and get involved in a diverse community. Transportation by bus, bike, or moped is inexpensive and easy, but using a personal vehicle can get very expensive. Housing off-campus can be pricy as well. Over all my experience has been a great one."

"This is a great program because it is small and you get to know your teachers and your classmates very well. Everyone is accessible. Professors and advisors are encouraging and have real-world international experience and are always there to offer help or advice. HPU also has many connections for job placement after graduation, especially in Asian countries."

"Hawaii Pacific University offers a wonderfully diverse educational experience. It combines a vastly diverse student population with an excellent academic core of instructors. Hawaii Pacific University is transitioning to a new campus facility and will soon be able to offer a more cohesive, collective student life experience. As of yet, they are doing remarkably well with the given circumstance of an Urban Campus experience."