BYU-Hawaii Ranking Profile

Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii), located in Laie, Hawaii, stands as a unique and distinguished institution in the landscape of higher education in the United States. Established in 1955, BYU-Hawaii is a private, undergraduate co-educational university that is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The university is named after Brigham Young, a prominent religious leader and politician who played a significant role in the founding of the LDS Church and its early history in the United States. BYU-Hawaii's distinctive identity is shaped by its affiliation with the LDS Church, its commitment to global outreach, and its strong academic programs, particularly in education, social work, and religious studies.

One of the hallmarks of BYU-Hawaii is its rigorous academic accreditation. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This accreditation is a vital testament to the quality of education offered by BYU-Hawaii, ensuring that it meets the high standards of academic excellence required for a university to award undergraduate degrees. The university’s commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that integrates faith and learning is reflected in its diverse academic offerings, which emphasize both academic rigor and the development of personal character and spiritual growth.

The College of Human Development at BYU-Hawaii houses several important academic departments, including Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Social Work, and Religion. These departments play a central role in fulfilling the university’s mission to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to become leaders in their communities and in their professional fields. The Department of Education at BYU-Hawaii is one of the university’s key areas of focus, offering programs that prepare students to become certified or licensed teachers, not only in the United States but also around the world. The TESOL department is similarly significant, providing students with the tools to teach English to non-native speakers in various international settings. The university’s commitment to global education is evident in the high percentage of international students enrolled, creating a diverse and multicultural campus community.

BYU-Hawaii’s Social Work Department, which has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1978, also plays a key role in the university’s academic offerings. The department prepares students for entry-level positions as generalist social work practitioners, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex social issues and help individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges in their lives. This program not only supports students in their professional aspirations but also reflects the university’s commitment to serving the community and making a positive impact on society.

Religious education is another cornerstone of BYU-Hawaii’s academic offerings. The university provides students with a solid foundation in religious studies, with courses designed to help them strengthen their faith and develop a deeper understanding of the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This integration of faith and learning is an integral part of the university’s educational philosophy, providing students with a holistic education that nurtures both their intellectual and spiritual growth.

In terms of rankings, BYU-Hawaii has garnered significant recognition for its academic quality and its commitment to providing value to students. In 2011, the university was ranked among Tier 2 National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, a designation that highlights the university's strong academic performance and its reputation as a leading institution for liberal arts education. This ranking places BYU-Hawaii among some of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation, recognizing its commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their careers and in life.

In addition to its academic rankings, BYU-Hawaii has also been recognized for its exceptional value. Consumers Digest Magazine, in its Special Section: 2007 College Road Maps — Making the Right Choices, named BYU-Hawaii as the number one "top value" among private colleges and universities in the United States. The magazine’s ranking was based on a survey of approximately 3,800 universities and colleges across the country, and BYU-Hawaii was praised for its combination of academic excellence and affordable tuition. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to providing a high-quality education that is accessible to a diverse range of students, including those from various international backgrounds.

BYU-Hawaii’s status as a top-value institution is reinforced by the fact that it has consistently been ranked among the top comprehensive small universities in the western United States by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking takes into account a variety of factors, including academic quality, faculty resources, and student satisfaction. The university’s focus on providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for success in both their professional and personal lives has contributed to its continued recognition in national rankings.

Another notable achievement for BYU-Hawaii is its ranking as the number one university in the United States for the percentage of international students enrolled. The university’s strong international presence reflects its global outreach and its mission to provide an inclusive and diverse educational environment. BYU-Hawaii’s international student body brings a unique perspective to campus life, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among students from different countries and regions. This global diversity is not only an asset to the university’s academic programs but also contributes to the broader social and cultural fabric of the campus community.

In addition to its international reputation, BYU-Hawaii is also recognized for its selectivity. The university has earned the distinction of being ranked as the number one institution in the U.S. for selectivity, meaning that it is highly competitive in its admissions process. This ranking reflects the university’s commitment to admitting students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a willingness to contribute to the university's values-driven environment. The selective admissions process ensures that BYU-Hawaii maintains a high standard of excellence in its student body, and the university continues to attract some of the brightest and most motivated students from around the world.

In conclusion, Brigham Young University–Hawaii stands as a unique and esteemed institution in the landscape of higher education in the United States. With its affiliation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the university offers students a distinctive educational experience that integrates faith and learning. Its strong academic programs, particularly in the areas of education, social work, TESOL, and religion, prepare students for successful careers and equip them to make a positive impact in the world. The university’s commitment to providing exceptional value, fostering global diversity, and maintaining a high standard of academic excellence has earned it recognition in national rankings, including its designation as a top-value institution and its ranking as the number one university for international student enrollment. As BYU-Hawaii continues to grow and evolve, its reputation as a leading university with a global perspective will undoubtedly continue to strengthen, ensuring that it remains an important educational institution in the United States and beyond.