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Hawaii’s land-grant university, and the flagship of the University of Hawaii system, the University of Hawaii at Manoa was founded in 1907 as an agricultural and mechanical science school. Hawaii was a US territory and still decades away from statehood, but the university was a significant force in preparing Hawaii for 20th century industry, business, and government, growing into a major public research university with Very High Activity status from the Carnegie Classification. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 100 best public institutions in the nation, UH is also renowned as one of the most diverse universities in the US, and one of the best values, thanks to its low tuition rates.
Academic Programs
As a research university, UH has been immensely influential in the region through scientific research and teaching, especially in areas key to life in the Pacific. UH’s origins as a land-grant institution means that practical, applied study and research was at the heart of the university’s mission from the very beginning, and that has only expanded over the century. Not surprisingly, UH is one of the foremost names in areas like oceanography, marine biology, astronomy, and geology – a remote location on a volcanic island makes it a prime spot for research. UH’s location has also made it central in international business, Asian studies, and, of course, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander studies, including the Hawai’inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, the only college dedicated to an indigenous culture at any R1 research university.In addition to traditional undergraduate education, UH is central to professional education, preparing most of Hawaii’s leaders in medicine, law, business, and government; the School of Medicine and School of Nursing, for instance, are top-ranked nationally by U.S. News. Adult and online education are central to UH’s mission as well, and the investment into online education has paid of for the university, with more than 50 fully online programs providing opportunity to students across the Hawaiian islands and the Pacific. High standards, accessibility, and outreach are the Rainbow Warrior way.
Student Life
The University of Hawaii’s 18,000 member student body is one of the most diverse in the nation, with just a quarter of students identifying as Caucasian; indigenous Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, and many other international ethnicities compose the rest of a vibrant student population. UH’s motto – “Above all nations is humanity” – reflects the spirit that has made UH a special place for students of all backgrounds. The wealth of student activities make UH a highly desirable destination for students who love the outdoors, as well as those who long for the creative arts and culture.UH’s Rainbow Warriors compete in a wide variety of Division I sports, including basketball, football, and soccer; many more women’s sports are represented, including water polo, beach volleyball, and sailing. The co-ed sailing team is one of the world’s best. Outdoor recreation – from swimming, sailing, and surfing to mountain climbing and hiking – are central parts of Hawaiian life and student life at the University of Hawaii. And of course, year-round sunshine and tropical temperatures make Hawaii an outdoor environment no matter the season.