RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii: Top State-Approved Schools in 2027
Are you a Hawaii RN seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)? If so, it may be time to consider an online RN to BSN program. With these programs, you don’t have to quit your nursing job or cut your work hours to earn your degree. To learn more, review our guide to the best online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii.
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School Spotlights: Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii
Online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii are designed for working nurses as they provide a flexible, remote learning experience perfect for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You may even have the option to complete any required clinical hours at your current place of employment. Choosing the right school for you, though, can be a feat.
Read more to learn how online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii work and compare coursework, cost, admissions, and more.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
If you value work-life balance, consider the online RN to BSN program at University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa. Designed for working nurses, this 120-credit program offers these benefits:
- Asynchronous learning – take courses at your own pace
- Two semesters in total if full-time – transfer up to 90 credits
- Full-time or part-time options
- Multiple start dates
- Fully online lecture courses
- Option to complete the two required clinical courses anywhere in Hawaii
UH Manoa’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Mode: Online (with in-person clinical hours)
Cost: $490 per credit hour (or $5,880 per semester, full-time) + one-time fee of $622
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma
- Minimum 2.0 to 2.5 GPA
- RN license
- Official transcripts
University of Hawaii at Hilo
The University of Hawaii offers another RN to BSN Program at its Hilo campus – a more affordable option. This campus offers the exact same benefits as the Manoa campus, including online lecture classes, generous credit transfer policy, and flexible enrollment. And you can complete the two required clinical courses on your home island.
The Hilo campus, however, has a transcultural theme throughout its curriculum, emphasizing respect for multi-ethnic populations.
Be prepared to network with health professionals across the islands and engage in community projects, such as health teaching in primary schools or community health screenings.
Like the Manoa campus, UH Hilo’s program is also accredited by the CCNE.
Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Mode: Online (with in-person clinical hours)
Cost: $318 per credit hour (or $3,816 per semester, full-time) + $500 professional fee per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Hawaii resident
- Prerequisite courses, including anthropology and communication
- Official transcripts
Chamberlain University
If you’re looking to earn your BSN as quickly as possible, consider Chamberlain University’s RN to BSN program. You can finish in as little as 10 months. Chamberlain is a nationally-operated university offering enrolling to Hawaii residents.
Program benefits include:
- 100% online lecture classes
- 8-week courses with flexible deadlines
- Exam-free courses – you learn through assignments and experimental learning instead
- Placement assistance – you’re not alone in finding a location to complete your required clinical hours
- Generous course transfer policy – up to 75% of required credits from a prior degree
Coursework covers health assessment, evidence-based practice, information systems, and more. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
Duration: 10 to 12 months (full-time)
Mode: Online (with in-person clinical hours)
Cost: $635 per credit hour (or $14,082 total, full-time)
Admissions Requirements:
- ADN or nursing diploma
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- RN license
FAQs for Hawaii RN to BSN Students
Are RN to BSN programs in Hawaii available in a 100% online format?
No, RN to BSN programs in Hawaii are not 100% online. Though lecture classes may be offered online, these programs require clinical hours, which must be completed in person.
However, you’re often allowed to complete the hours in your local community or at your current workplace. Some schools, such as Chamberlain University, even provide placement assistance.
How affordable are online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii?
Online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii cost around $8,600 to $14,000 for the entire program if enrolled full-time based on the schools in this guide. But cost may be impacted by multiple factors, including state residency, program pace, eligibility for financial aid through the FAFSA, and number of course credits you’ve already completed.
For example, the University of Hawaii (UH) at Hilo permits transfer of up to 90 credits for its 120-credit RN to BSN program. The remaining 30-credits will cost you around $9,540 for the entire program – a big savings.
How long will it take me to finish my online RN to BSN program in Hawaii?
You can expect to finish an online RN to BSN program in Hawaii in about 1 year. Generally, enrolling full-time and transferring the maximum number of credits permitted shortens the time to graduation.
Keep in mind that many programs, such as UH Manoa’s RN to BSN program, offer part-time enrollment with the freedom to go at your own pace. While this may sound great, it’ll take longer to finish should you go this route.
What are the typical admissions requirements for Hawaii online RN to BSN programs?
Online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii typically require an ADN or nursing diploma and an RN license. Some programs require Hawaii residency or a Hawaii RN license. Others require a minimum GPA. For example, you’ll need at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA if you want to apply to Chamberlain’s program.
Is it worth pursuing a BSN in Hawaii if I already have my ADN?
As a Hawaii RN, earning a BSN might be worth it if you want to expand your career opportunities or advance in the field quickly. Though earning an ADN is an accomplishment, some positions, such as those in leadership and public health are often held by BSN-prepared nurses.
It’s also important to consider your location and how competitive you want to be in the job market. Most Hawaii RNs hold a BSN or higher, especially those working in Honolulu County.
Salary Outlook for RN to BSN Students in Hawaii
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $82,500 | $136,320 | $147,830 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $89,710 | $144,350 | $145,730 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $82,390 | $139,260 | $151,320 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
2027 Ranking: Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Program Details
- Location: Hilo, HI
- WSCUCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $8,475Avg. Aid Amount
- 11/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Hawaii at Hilo
- A fully online, distance education curriculum with asynchronous lectures and clinicals completed on your home island.
- Multiple start dates each year and flexible full-time or part-time pacing to fit working RNs’ schedules.
- Competitive tuition rates and a smaller community setting as the only neighbor-island baccalaureate nursing program.
Program Details
- Location: Hilo, HI
- WSCUCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $8,475Avg. Aid Amount
- 11/1Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Program Details
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- WSCUCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $8,172Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Resident tuition applies to all RN to BSN students, and the nursing student professional fee is waived.
- The program offers part-time and full-time online, on-demand study, supporting faster completion flexibility.
- Students can enter without RN licensure if they are eligible UH system ADN applicants.
Program Details
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- WSCUCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $8,172Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Hawaii Pacific University
Program Details
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- WSCUCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $16,298Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Hawaii Pacific University
- The RN to BSN pathway can be completed in just two semesters of full-time study, allowing registered nurses to earn their BSN quickly.
- The nursing program is approved by the Hawai‘i Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), enhancing graduates’ professional credibility and career mobility.
- HPU’s nursing program is known for smaller class and clinical group sizes that support individualized attention and strong employer demand for its graduates.
Program Details
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- WSCUCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $16,298Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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