Hawaii’s economy runs on tourism, hospitality, real estate, and a growing base of remote and government employers, all of which need marketers who can reach both local and visitor audiences. Most of the state’s marketing jobs are in Honolulu, where specialists earn a median near $62,990 and managers about $118,180 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Below we compare Hawaii’s accredited marketing degree programs on format, accreditation, cost, and payoff.
Hawaii digital marketing degrees at a glance (2026)
| Programs in this guide | Bachelor’s and master’s in marketing / business |
| Degree levels | BBA / BS (bachelor’s); MBA (master’s) |
| Typical length | 4 years (bachelor’s); 12–24 months (master’s) |
| Formats | On-campus, online, and hybrid |
| Accreditation to look for | WSCUC (regional) and AACSB (business school) |
| Specialist median pay (HI) | ~$59,390/yr (BLS 13-1161) |
| Manager median pay (HI) | ~$117,770/yr (BLS 11-2021) |
| Financial aid | FAFSA, Pell, federal loans, and the Hawai‘i B+ Scholarship |
Why accreditation matters
For a degree, accreditation is what makes it worth the time and money. The Hawaii universities below are regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is what lets you use federal financial aid and transfer credits. The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, the top international standard for business programs.
Compare Hawaii digital marketing degrees
| Program | Level | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UH Manoa (Shidler) — BBA Marketing | Bachelor’s | On-campus | AACSB; flagship |
| Hawaii Pacific University — Marketing | Bachelor’s | Campus + online | Private; Honolulu |
| UH–West Oahu — Business (Marketing) | Bachelor’s | Campus + online | Affordable; Kapolei |
| UH Manoa (Shidler) — MBA (Marketing) | Master’s | Campus + online | AACSB; marketing concentration |
| Hawaii Pacific University — MBA | Master’s | Campus + online | Flexible; Honolulu |
Hawaii bachelor’s degrees in marketing & digital marketing
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (Shidler College of Business) — BBA in Marketing
Bachelor’sA marketing major from the AACSB-accredited Shidler College at the state flagship in Honolulu, with digital, analytics, and international-marketing coursework and deep ties to Hawaii’s tourism, retail, and hospitality employers.
- AACSB-accredited flagship business school
- Digital and international marketing focus
- Strong Honolulu employer network
- Competitive admission
- On-campus in Honolulu
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) — Marketing
Bachelor’sA marketing degree from HPU, a private university in downtown Honolulu known for small classes, an international student body, and applied coursework across digital, brand, and hospitality marketing.
- Small classes and personal attention
- Downtown Honolulu location
- Applied, career-focused curriculum
- Private-university tuition
- Smaller research profile
University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu — Business Administration (Marketing)
Bachelor’s / AffordableA business administration degree with a marketing focus from UH–West Oahu in Kapolei, one of the state’s most affordable four-year options, with online course availability and strong support for local and transfer students.
- Affordable public university
- Online course availability
- Strong support for transfer students
- Smaller program than UH Manoa
- Confirm marketing course depth
Hawaii master’s degrees in marketing & business
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (Shidler College of Business) — MBA with Marketing
Master’sAn AACSB-accredited MBA from Shidler with a meaningful marketing concentration through graduate electives such as marketing research, services marketing, and technology and marketing, offered in full-time, part-time, and online formats.
- Elite AACSB MBA credential
- Marketing concentration via electives
- Full-time, part-time, and online options
- Premium tuition for out-of-state students
- MBA breadth around the concentration
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) — MBA
Master’sA flexible MBA from HPU in Honolulu with marketing electives, offered in evening and online formats built for working professionals across the islands.
- Flexible evening and online formats
- Marketing electives
- Honolulu location and network
- MBA breadth rather than pure digital marketing
- Private-university tuition
Other Hawaii options worth comparing include Chaminade University of Honolulu, Brigham Young University–Hawaii in Lā‘ie, and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.
Prefer a faster certificate?
If you want job-ready skills quickly rather than a full degree, a certificate can get you there in weeks. The University of Hawai‘i Mānoa Outreach College and Kapi‘olani Community College offer professional digital and social media marketing courses, and the free Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Certificate, plus Google Ads and Analytics (GA4) certifications, are widely recognized by Hawaii employers. These pair well with a portfolio for entry-level specialist roles.
Digital marketing salaries in Hawaii
A degree pays off across a career ladder, not a single job. Graduates start in specialist roles and move toward management, which is where a degree especially helps. Note that Hawaii’s high cost of living affects how far these salaries go.
| Career stage | HI median pay | BLS category |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / specialist (SEO, PPC, social, analyst) | ~$59,390 (Honolulu ~$62,990) | Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists (13-1161) |
| Marketing manager / director | ~$117,770 (Honolulu ~$118,180) | Marketing Managers (11-2021) |
Source: BLS OEWS, Hawaii, May 2025. Urban Honolulu concentrates most of the state’s marketing roles.
How to pay for a digital marketing degree in Hawaii
- Federal aid. File the FAFSA for Pell Grants (undergraduate) and federal student loans (undergraduate and graduate).
- Hawaii state aid. The University of Hawai‘i system administers the Hawai‘i B+ Scholarship and other need- and merit-based aid for residents.
- In-state tuition. Hawaii residents pay far less at University of Hawai‘i campuses than out-of-state students.
- Scholarships & assistantships. Institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement can offset costs, especially at the master’s level.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a digital marketing degree cost in Hawaii?
In-state tuition at University of Hawai‘i campuses like UH Manoa and UH–West Oahu is the most affordable route, while private universities like Hawaii Pacific and Chaminade cost more. Because these programs are accredited, federal aid and the Hawai‘i B+ Scholarship can offset much of the cost.
Can you get a digital marketing degree online in Hawaii?
Yes. UH Manoa’s Shidler College offers online MBA options, Hawaii Pacific University offers online programs, and UH–West Oahu offers online coursework, so you can study from any island.
Is a digital marketing degree worth it, or should you do a certificate?
It depends on your goals. A certificate is faster and cheaper for entry-level skills. A degree costs more and takes longer, but it is federally aid-eligible, broader, and generally expected for management roles, where Honolulu pay reaches a median near $118,180 (BLS).
What can you earn with a digital marketing degree in Hawaii?
Specialist roles have a median near $59,390 in Hawaii, rising to roughly $117,770 for marketing managers, with Honolulu the top-paying area (BLS, May 2025). Keep the state’s high cost of living in mind.
