Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

UH Mānoa’s (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and UH �ᾱ����’s ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked UH Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“UH Mānoa’s strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and �鶹��ý can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the �鶹��ýlaw school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation’s best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master’s and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in �鶹��ý to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation’s top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation’s best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation’s best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation’s best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

UH Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea appointed University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Professor as the Ambassador for South Korea to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), recognizing his decades-long leadership in human rights scholarship, international law and public service.

“I am delighted to bring the insights I have developed during my tenure as a professor at the , to the OECD, in my commitment to serving the global community,” Baik said.

International human rights, comparative law

Baik, a globally respected scholar of international human rights and comparative law, has been a member of the UH law school since 2011. His appointment marks a significant milestone for the UH law school and underscores the global impact of its faculty.

“Professor Baik’s appointment as an ambassador is a tremendous honor for him and for our entire community,” UH law school’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Troy J.H. Andrade said. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and democratic governance. His expertise and moral leadership will serve the people of Korea and the international community well.”

Before joining UH, Baik taught at the University of British Columbia and served as director of the Korean Legal Studies Program. At the UH law school, he has taught courses in international human rights law, international criminal law, comparative law and Korean law, while mentoring students interested in global justice and public service. He also served as the director of UH’s Center for Korean Studies.

Baik is recognized for his work on transitional justice, human rights systems in Asia and international accountability mechanisms. From 2015 to 2022, he served as an independent expert with the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, where he held leadership roles as vice-chair and later chair-rapporteur. In that capacity, he worked with governments, civil society organizations, and families of victims to investigate and address cases of enforced disappearance worldwide.

As �鶹��ý faces rising sea levels, housing pressures and growing calls for the return of to community stewardship, the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� will host a day of bold conversations focused on solutions. On March 4, the annual at 8 a.m. at East West Center will gather leaders, scholars and community advocates to examine how land, law and justice intersect and what that means for �鶹��ý’s future.

Now in its fifth year, the summit carries the theme ʻĀinahoʻi: Land, Law and Justice. ʻĀinahoʻi means “indeed that which feeds us.” The phrase is both reminder and call to action that the future of �鶹��ý is tied to how we care for the ʻ�徱�Բ� that sustains us.

“We established the Piʻo Summits to advance ancestral knowledge and courageous leadership to address the cascading challenges of our times,” said Kamanamaikalani Beamer, professor at UH ����ԴDz� and the . “�鶹��ý deserves the best and the Piʻo Summits bring critical issues to the head of our table and we sit with the community to find ways to carve out a better future.”

Voices for ʻ�徱�Բ�

This year’s summit begins with music from two-time Grammy nominee Raiatea Helm and a keynote from Justice Joe Williams of Aotearoa, a respected Māori jurist known for advancing Indigenous rights within modern legal systems.

Throughout the day, panels will feature leaders from �鶹��ý’s largest landholders serving Native Hawaiian communities, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) advocates will join scholars and professors from UH ����ԴDz�’s and departments, as well as the William S. Richardson School of Law, to explore the future of ʻ�徱�Բ� stewardship and justice in �鶹��ý.

“This year’s summit will highlight the collective effort for ʻĀinahoʻi across the ,” Beamer said. “We will be exploring how communities are navigating and challenging existing systems through legal methods, land trusts, and grassroots action to restore , strengthen relationships to ʻ�徱�Բ�, and advance self-determined governance grounded in ancestral innovation and courageousness.”

Ancestral innovation

The summit is organized by Pōʻai Ke Aloha ʻĀina, a UH-based lab that works to solve modern challenges using ʻike �鶹��ý (ancestral Hawaiian knowledge). The lab is helping build a new center focused on an ancestral circular economy, a model rooted in regeneration and long-term stewardship.

Christian de Quevedo, a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa alumnus, founded Lēʻahi Landscaping after identifying a disconnect between the importance of �鶹��ý’s built environments and the standards of the industry serving them. Landscapes shape some of the state’s most visible and valuable spaces, yet the work behind them is often noisy, emissions-heavy and unreliable.

In �鶹��ý’s unique setting, Lēʻahi takes a site-specific approach to sustainability and land stewardship at residential and commercial sites. Using drone mapping and environmental modeling, the team evaluates sun exposure, wind, drainage and soil conditions before design begins. This leads to smarter decisions and fewer unnecessary inputs. As climate pressures and wildfire risks increase, resilience guides the work—prioritizing landscapes that are environmentally appropriate, safer over time and that deliver value to property owners.

“I couldn’t find a service that matched the standards expected in other professional sectors, so I set out to build one,” said de Quevedo, who graduated from the JD/MBA program in 2021.

A defining principle of de Quevedo’s entrepreneurial journey has been adaptation. He believes �鶹��ý businesses can no longer rely on geographic isolation or outdated practices. He said local companies are now measured against national and global standards.

He credited his law degree from the with shaping his analytical approach and his MBA program with giving him the tools to act, scale and execute, and said that his Shidler experience reinforced systems thinking, disciplined operations and long-term value creation.

He also emphasized that none of Lēʻahi’s success would be possible without Kaimalu Stanich, his business partner, close friend and a graduate of UH Mānoa’s , or without the Lēʻahi team. Since founding the company, he said all profits have been reinvested into growth, systems and employees, reflecting a belief that long-term success begins with investing in people.

For the entire story and more stories like this, see the .

Human rights lawyer and University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� alumnus Julian Aguon is one of four changemakers around the world who have won the Swedish Right Livelihood Foundation’s annual award in 2025.

“I am deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of my entire team at Blue Ocean Law,” said Aguon. “I could not have done this work without each and every one of them, starting with my erudite co-lead, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, and the incredible team we assembled to take on this case.”

‘Carrying the call for climate justice to the world’s highest court’

The Right Livelihood Foundation cited Aguon for “carrying the call for climate justice to the world’s highest court.” Aguon, together with the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, was selected by an international jury for their collective efforts to secure a unanimous advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice.

The opinion, delivered in July 2025, found that countries have binding obligations under international law to protect the climate system for present and future generations. In its historic decision, the Court recognized the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, declaring it essential to the realization of all other rights.

In Aguon’s case, the jury also recognized his longstanding advocacy on behalf of the Chamorro people of Guam, who continue to struggle under U.S. colonization.

“I proudly accept this award on behalf of my people, the Chamorro people, and indeed all of us in Micronesia, who continue to resist the militarization of our homelands, who continue to insist upon our right to live in the world on our own terms and our children’s right to do the same.”

Established in 1980 to “honour and support courageous people solving global problems,” the Right Livelihood Award has become widely known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize.’ Past winners from the U.S. include civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson, award-winning journalist Amy Goodman, and famed whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg. There are now 203 Laureates from more than 80 countries.

.

To address the holistic needs of University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� students, including food insecurity, mental and emotional health and practical skill-building, an inaugural gift from the Class of 1985 launched the Professor Calvin G. C. Pang Student Wellness and Benevolence Fund. The fund honors the legacy of Pang, a celebrated mentor and classmate known for his compassion and service to the UH community. This new resource integrates health and professional development directly into the educational experience at the UH law school.

“We are grateful to the Class of 1985 for their profound recognition that true academic excellence and the growth of future lawyers are nurtured when health, wellness and professionalism are placed at the heart of the educational journey,” said UH law school Dean Camille Nelson.

Besides supporting initiatives that promote student well-being and address essential needs, the fund will provide resources for workshops and training in areas such as budgeting, time management, exam preparation, networking and other professional skills that support student success.

Student food pantry, emergency situations

In addition, the fund will support a discreet student food pantry offering nutritious options such as fresh produce, meal kits and frozen meals, along with the equipment and facilities needed to store and prepare food safely. Resources may also be used to assist students facing urgent or emergency situations and to support community meal opportunities that foster connection and belonging.

Establishing this fund addresses clear and growing needs among law students. Surveys of UH law students across all class years and programs show that many face significant financial and wellness challenges, including food insecurity and stress that directly affect their ability to focus and succeed academically.

UH law students facing food insecurity or other needs can email lawadss@hawaii.edu for more information.

.

Five subject areas were placed in the world’s top 1%, and an additional four earned top 2% honors in the 2026 , released on January 21.

Education led the way, ranked in the No. 101–125 tier, followed by physical sciences at No. 126–150, arts and humanities at No. 151–175, and law and life sciences each at No. 201–250. To qualify in the world’s top 1%, rankings must be within the top 250 in the world () UH Mānoa was ranked in all 11 of the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject lists.

“We are proud that UH Mānoa continues to be recognized globally, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, research and the student experience,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “These rankings underscore the hard work and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, who make UH Mānoa a truly exceptional place.”

All UH Mānoa rankings:

• Education studies: No. 101–125
• Physical sciences: No. 126–150
• Arts and humanities: No. 151–175
• Law: No. 201–250
• Life sciences: No. 201–250
• Social sciences: No. 251–300
• Medical and health: No. 301–400
• Psychology: No. 301–400
• Business and economics: No. 401–500
• Computer science: No. 501–600
• Engineering: No. 501–600

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry income and international outlook. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 425–1,555 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, January 4, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 9, 2025
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, October 2, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, September 23, 2025

For more information, .

The is celebrating two decades of education, scholarship, and community advocacy on issues affecting Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples. The center is part of the at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa.

In recognition of this milestone, Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, on behalf of the Honolulu City Council, presented an honorary certificate to Ka Huli Ao at Honolulu Hale. The presentation honored the center’s enduring contributions to Native Hawaiian legal education and community engagement.

“Ka Huli Ao is grateful to the Honolulu City Council for this tremendous honor, which is a reflection on Chief Justice William S. Richardson’s enduring legal legacy to �鶹��ý and our people,” said Kapuaʻala Sproat, director of Ka Huli Ao and professor of law. “Ua Ao �鶹��ý! In Ka Huli Ao’s 20th year, this guiding theme reminds us that even in our most challenging moments, the path forward is illuminated by �鶹��ý’s enduring legal foundations, grounded in loina (customs, principles, laws) and ʻike kuʻuna (ancestral knowledge), which continue to guide us toward the light of tomorrow.”

Founded in 2005 by Professor Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie through a Native Hawaiian Education Act grant, Ka Huli Ao has become a cornerstone of Native Hawaiian law. The center established the first–ever Native Hawaiian Law Certificate program, published Native Hawaiian Law: A Treatise, provides training to the community and decision makers, operates a post–JD legal fellows program, shapes future leaders and leads the Native Hawaiian Law Clinic that provides direct legal services to our neighbor island communities.

Kapiʻolani Community College is marking a major milestone: 50 years of providing as the state’s only American Bar Association (ABA) approved program. Since its founding in 1975, the program has established a profound legacy of service, access and leadership, producing generations of legal professionals who are deeply embedded in the state’s justice system.

Paralegal program graduates serve in law firms, state agencies and nonprofit organizations, making an impact across �鶹��ý communities. They are essential to organizations such as the Legal Aid Society of �鶹��ý, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, �鶹��ý Innocence Project, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and the State of �鶹��ý Department of Attorney General.

“For 50 years, our paralegal graduates have been working in the places where the community needs them the most,” said Kimberly Koide Iwao, program chair. “Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, our students have helped clients navigate legal challenges ranging from housing disputes, to family matters, to wrongful conviction reviews.”

Community service roots

The program’s roots are firmly planted in community service, tracing its origins to Robert J. “Bob” LeClair, a Legal Aid Society attorney. LeClair secured leadership funding to establish �鶹��ý’s first Legal Assistant Program at Kapiʻolani CC, quickly becoming recognized as a national model for paralegal education defined by academic rigor and community service. Professor Susan Jaworowski (who is retired today), modernized the curriculum by incorporating online and hybrid instruction to keep students at the forefront of a changing legal landscape.

Under Iwao’s leadership, the program continues to evolve. In 2024, it became one of the first in the nation to launch an artificial intelligence certification for paralegal students. Internships and community engagement remain central, giving students vital real-world training while providing critical staffing support to �鶹��ý’s legal services. Students regularly engage in pro bono work, and a developing partnership with the �鶹��ý Judiciary will expand opportunities for placements within the courts.

“Kapiʻolani CC’s paralegal program has strengthened �鶹��ý’s legal community and expanded pathways for students to make meaningful contributions to justice and society,” said Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “�鶹��ý’s legal system relies on skilled legal support professionals, and our graduates are prepared to serve with integrity and commitment.”

The is one of the nation’s best colleges and universities, according to The Princeton Review’s 2026 edition of “” guide, released on August 12.

The rankings are solely based on its surveys of college students about their schools. The schools included in the “The Best 391 Colleges” of 2026 are not ranked from No. 1–No. 389, and feature the top approximately 15% of four-year colleges in the U.S.

In addition, The Princeton Review placed UH Mānoa as one of the top 79 colleges in the west.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it’s based on our students’ own experiences,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “Their voices reflect the vibrant learning environment, strong sense of community and unique opportunities they find at UH Mānoa.”

In October 2024, The Princeton Review also named UH Mānoa one of the nation’s top “green” colleges, which recognizes the most environmentally responsible schools.

High marks for law school

The has been No. 1 for Most Diverse Faculty in The Princeton Review’s “” rankings. This national recognition underscores the strength of the law school’s faculty and its ongoing commitment to excellence in legal education rooted in �鶹��ý’s unique history, values and place in the Pacific.

The UH law school was also named No. 5 Best for State and Local Clerkships and No. 5 Most Chosen By Older Students, further affirming its reputation for meaningful career preparation and support across a wide range of student backgrounds and goals.

The Princeton Review evaluates , including institutional data and student survey responses, to compile its annual Best Law Schools lists.

More about ‘The Best 391 Colleges’

The Princeton Review collected 170,000 surveys of students at the schools in The Best 391 Colleges (about 435 per school on average). The surveys were conducted in 2024–25 and/or the previous two academic years. The 98-question survey asked students to rate their professors, administrators, financial aid, campus amenities, school services and other aspects of life at their colleges on a five-point scale, and to report on their experiences at them.

“The colleges we profile in our ‘Best Colleges’ book are a truly select group. They constitute only about 15% of America’s nearly 2,400 four-year institutions,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review and the book’s lead author. “While they vary by locale, type, size and campus culture, each one offers its students an academically outstanding undergraduate education. In our opinion, they are the nation’s best undergraduate colleges and ideal choices for students seeking their ‘best-fit’ college. The colleges that make our ranking lists do so entirely as a result of their own students’ opinions of them.”

Recent rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation, July 24, 2025
• 2026 QS World University Rankings, June 19, 2025
• 2025 Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings, June 2, 2025
• 2025 Carnegie Classifications, April 24, 2025