About UH Hilo Students

Home > About UH Hilo > General Information > About UH Hilo Students

The University values the diverse campus community as a vital contribution to the learning environment. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Hawaiʻi County is the most ethnically diverse county in the country; it is thus no surprise that UH Hilo enjoys an unusually diverse student body.

UH Hilo thrives on Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage and history of cooperation among ethnic groups. The university is committed not only to being responsive to the needs of a diverse student population, but also to creating a learning environment that fosters intercultural understanding, appreciation, and respect.

UH Hilo Student Body by Ethnic and Racial Group, Fall 2008

Students are diverse in many other ways. The majority, approximately 68.5 percent of the students, are residents of Hawaiʻi. Non-residents of Hawaiʻi come from all 50 states and several US territories. Non-US Citizens & International students (410) representing 51 nations comprise nearly eleven percent of the student body. Women make up about 59 percent of the student body. The average age of the student body is 24; undergraduate’s average age is 23, while first professional, post-baccalaureate, and graduate student’s average ages are 26, 31, and 34 respectively. Of 3,773 students enrolled in Fall 2008, about 88.9% of all students are undergraduates (3,354), while 11.1% are first professional, post-baccalaureate, or graduate students (419).