About Our Students
This is content from the Catalog 2019–2020 back issue. Please visit the current catalog for current information.
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
As Self-reported, Spring 2014, of 3,828 total
| Ethnic/Racial Group | Percent of Student Body |
|---|---|
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0.5% |
| Asian | 20.5% |
| White | 20.1% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 13.2% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 9.5% |
| Two or more races | 31.1% |
| Race and ethnicity unknown | 0.4% |
| Nonresident Alien | 3.4% |
Among 3,666 students primarily identifying as above, 1,061 students (28.9%) indicate having Pre-Contact Native Hawaiian Ancestry.