





Hawai‘i Pacific University is the largest private university in the Aloha State, recognized as the most diverse university in the United States. Located in the heart of Honolulu, HPU offers a hands-on learning environment where urban campus life meets an island paradise. With a strong commitment to transfer students, the university provides guaranteed and competitive application pathways, automatic merit scholarship consideration, and a welcoming community where students from over 100 countries thrive in a global, professional, and academic atmosphere.
As of 2023, Hawai‘i Pacific University has a total enrollment of 4,748 students, including 3,533 undergraduates and 1,215 graduate students. The university is recognized as the largest private, non-profit institution in Hawai‘i, maintaining a highly diverse student population with representation from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries.
Hawai‘i Pacific University maintains an overall acceptance rate of approximately 84%, attracting a competitive transfer pool with an average admitted transfer GPA of 3.58. While specific data for the total number of transfer applicants and the transfer-specific graduation rate are currently unavailable, the university offers a streamlined process for students with 24 or more transferable credits and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. The six-year graduation rate for non-first-time, full-time students is approximately 46%.
Hawai‘i Pacific University requires transfer applicants with 24 or more transferable credits to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission. While the university maintains a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 cycle, the average unweighted GPA for admitted students is 3.58, and the middle 50% of enrolled students scored between 1018 and 1115 on the SAT and between 19 and 27 on the ACT, which can serve as a useful reference point for applicants.
Hawai‘i Pacific University is the largest private university in the Aloha State, offering a unique "East meets West" educational setting with a tuition of approximately $33,020. As a transfer student, you will join one of the most diverse campus communities in America, benefiting from a supportive 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small classes that ensure individualized attention from enthusiastic, expert professors. HPU's robust curriculum features stellar programs in marine biology, nursing, and business, preparing you for success with graduates achieving the highest median salary among Hawai‘i universities. The university provides a clear pathway for transfers, basing admission solely on your post-secondary record if you have completed 24 or more credits, and offering specialized tuition rates for active duty service members and military-connected students.

Transferring to Hawai'i Pacific University is a seamless process designed for students coming from community colleges or four-year institutions. HPU offers a personalized learning environment with small class sizes and a preferred minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission. Students with 24 or more transferable credits are evaluated solely on their post-secondary record, while those with fewer credits include high school transcripts for a holistic review. Transfer students can benefit from various financial aid options, including automatic consideration for academic merit scholarships and the Holomua Commitment for Hawai'i residents. With rolling admissions and dedicated support, HPU ensures that your transition to our urban campus in an island paradise is both efficient and rewarding.
Transfer applicants to Hawai'i Pacific University must submit several materials as part of their application. Here are the key requirements and details: Required:
Optional or Not Required:
Credit Guidelines:
Hawaiʻi Pacific University is the largest private university in the Aloha State, offering a unique educational experience that blends urban downtown Honolulu with the natural beauty of the Pacific. Known for its incredible diversity with students from all 50 states and over 70 countries, HPU provides small class sizes and personalized attention across more than 50 undergraduate concentrations. Students benefit from hands-on learning and research opportunities at facilities like the Oceanic Institute, specializing in marine sciences, business, nursing, and liberal arts. The university emphasizes experiential learning rooted in Hawaiian values, ensuring graduates are globally minded and career-ready.
Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) offers a personalized and intimate learning environment that combines urban campus life with the unique setting of an island paradise. As a private institution, HPU provides students with small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities designed to prepare them for the global market. The university is recognized for its diverse student body and its commitment to being a bridge between East and West. Students at HPU benefit from a range of academic programs, including strong pathways for transfer students from community colleges and other four-year institutions. With a focus on experiential learning and professional skill development, HPU ensures that graduates are both world-ready and market-ready.
Hawai'i Pacific University generally accepts transfer credits for academic courses in which a student has earned a grade of C- or better.
The maximum amount of undergraduate transfer credit allowed from all transcripts and test scores is 90 credit hours.
Yes, students who complete an Associate of Arts degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. community college will have fulfilled their General Education and Unrestricted Elective requirements at HPU.
While applications are reviewed on a rolling basis year-round, the priority application date for the Fall semester is January 15th.
Nursing transfers should have a minimum college GPA of 3.0, a nursing prerequisite GPA of 3.0, and must earn a minimum composite score of 70th percentile on the TEAS exam.
Applicants must submit an admissions application and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges; high school transcripts are also required if the student has fewer than 24 college credits.