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

Kauilaonālani Tengan is inspired to encourage greater participation from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino communities in diabetes clinical trials to ensure research better reflects the populations most affected by the disease.

Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha.
—Kauilaonālani Tengan

He is translating that goal into practice through applied research. A master of science student in epidemiology at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� , Tengan was part of a study team at The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) whose findings were published in in the study Exploring Diabetes Clinical Trial Participation: A Diverse Group Interview Study.

“I have a family history of cardiometabolic diseases and I remember visiting extended family who had to fly from Molokaʻi just to receive quality care here on Oʻahu,” he said. “This [experience] instilled in me a desire to learn more about health issues so prevalent in our islands and contribute to innovative solutions.”

Research findings and lessons learned

While at QHS, Tengan split his time between health equity research and clinical data management, utilizing electronic medical records to address research questions. He helped conduct interviews with 56 hospitalized patients to explore what motivates—or prevents—patients from joining diabetes clinical trials.

Although 84% expressed willingness to participate, most had never been asked. Barriers included mistrust, concerns about medication risks, and lack of understanding, while many Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants cited family and community benefit as key motivators.

“Engaging face-to-face with people in a clinical setting humanized health data for me,” Tengan said. “It reminded me that these are people, not statistics. I realized that my work has a lasting impact, so it is my responsibility to do things in a pono manner.”

Tengan hopes to carry these lessons forward. “Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha,” he said. “It is vital that we do work in an ethically and culturally nuanced way because there are real world impacts in the data that we publish.”

The study was part of an Food and Drug Administration-funded project at The Queenʻs Medical Center, in collaboration with the UH ����ԴDz� , and clinical partners. also found that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants are consistently underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials.

“Kauilaonālani’s perspectives and real-life application from quantitative analyses are so important to building collective public health,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and study co-author.

October is American Pharmacists Month and the University of �鶹��ý at �ᾱ����’s (DKICP) is helping shine a light on the vital role pharmacists play in public health. The pharmacy school is now accepting applications for a new online degree program called PharmD-XO, designed for aspiring pharmacists who need flexibility.

The first cohort starts in January 2026. It is a track towards earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The program is built for working adults and off- island and out-of-state residents. Students can stay in their jobs and communities while earning the degree.

“As we address the physician shortage affecting rural communities nationwide, pharmacists trained to practice at the full scope of their license can provide vital healthcare services where they’re needed most,” said Rae Matsumoto, dean at DKICP.

Pharmacists fill critical healthcare gaps

The need is clear. National data show physician shortages are intensifying with 20% of Americans living in rural areas and only 10% of physicians practicing there. Nearly 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy, making pharmacists the most accessible healthcare providers.

The college recently earned an eight-year accreditation renewal from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Building on that momentum, the PharmD-XO program spans 5.5 years. Most learning happens online. Students come to Hilo once a year for a two- to four-week immersion during the first 4.5 years. Those visits focus on labs, team skills, and hands-on training. The final year is all clinical experience at pharmacy practice sites.

Learn more on the college’s website, email pharmacy@hawaii.edu, or call (808) 932-7704.

Five outstanding students at the were honored with 2025 Ka Lama Kū awards, recognizing leadership grounded in Native Hawaiian values.

Hosted by the UH Hilo , the April 15 ceremony honored students who are reflective of exemplary values such as alakaʻi (leadership), ʻike pāpālua (vision), kuleana (responsibility), laulima (collaboration) and mālama (care for others). A student committee selected this year’s recipients for their impact on campus and beyond.

Awardees

major Shayne Victor received the Alakaʻi Award for his role in the Student Activities Council and multiple student clubs. “Shayne has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exemplary leader who inspires and empowers those around him,” wrote nominator Kamalani Poepoe.

Hayden Niles, a major from South Dakota, was honored with the ʻIke Pāpālua Award for his vision and community service. “[Hayden] has given over 500 hours of time in our �鶹��ý Island community over his years here,” said Julie Mowrer, acting director of the Center for Community Engagement.

Tavan Nakamura, a sophomore major, received the Kuleana Award for his dependability and problem-solving skills in UH �ᾱ����’s career services. “Tavan consistently seeks new ways for us to do things better, explores new processes and is able to share his vision effectively,” said Marcy Martinez, director of Career Services.

Gemmy Alegre, a student and student senator, earned the Laulima Award. “Her goal is to create a supportive academic environment that promotes collaboration, well-being,” said Lara Gomez, associate dean for Academic Affairs at UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Kamalani Poepoe received the Mālama Award for her commitment to research, mentorship and cultural stewardship. A major minoring in , Poepoe’s work spans volcano research, Indigenous science, and even NASA’s Artemis mission. “Kamalani has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leading by example,” wrote nominator Shayne Victor.

The Ka Lama Kū Awards continue to celebrate UH Hilo leaders who walk with kuleana and light the path for others.

—By Susan Enright

The and the (JABSOM) have partnered to launch Ka ʻUmeke Lama (Hawaiian for “Bowl of Enlightenment”), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming cancer care in �鶹��ý and the Pacific. The effort focuses on reducing cancer disparities through cutting-edge research, workforce development, and culturally informed practices.

“The mission of Ka ʻUmeke Lama is to provide equitable access to high-quality cancer care throughout �鶹��ý and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands by developing a strong and integrated oncology infrastructure,” said UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. “We will help cancer-related healthcare providers to work together to address complex issues in the �鶹��ý and the Pacific. Our vision is a future where cancer care is accessible, equitable, and rooted in both scientific innovation and cultural understanding. Everyone should have access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of their background or geography.”

The effort is a collaboration with �鶹��ý Cancer Consortium members, including The Queen’s Health Systems and �鶹��ý Pacific Health.

Key elements of Ka ʻUmeke Lama include:

• Oncologic Education and Workforce Development: Establishing a medical oncology fellowship program, integrating statewide oncology curricula, and providing cultural competence training for healthcare providers.
• Addressing Health Disparities: Expanding early cancer detection units, deploying oncology providers to underserved areas, enhancing telehealth systems, and launching targeted clinical trials for high-risk populations.
• Enhancing Clinical Research: Increasing clinical trial participation in diverse communities, developing a centralized clinical research database, and incorporating AI-based tools for cancer care.

�鶹��ý and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands face significant challenges, including high cancer rates among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Filipinos, coupled with a shortage of oncology professionals, particularly in rural and remote areas. Native Hawaiians have the highest cancer mortality rate in �鶹��ý, and certain Pacific Islander groups experience disproportionately high rates of liver cancer. With an aging population—nearly 30% of �鶹��ý residents will be 65 or older by 2030—the demand for comprehensive cancer care is expected to grow.

“Ka ʻUmeke Lama embodies our commitment to fostering science, equity, and cultural wisdom in oncology care,” said Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, associate dean for academic affairs, who co-leads the initative with Ueno. “By strengthening and expanding the existing partnerships between the UH Cancer Center, JABSOM, and the health system partners of the �鶹��ý Cancer Consortium; and leveraging JABSOM’s expertise in education, integrating education and research into clinical learning environments, extensive pathway programs from middle school to college, collaborations with the UH schools of nursing, pharmacy, social work and public health and UH community colleges, and large infrastructure grants that help grow the next generation of researchers in partnership with communities; we will be able to more effectively address our community’s needs, and create a distributed model of education, research, and clinical care that will serve patients throughout �鶹��ý and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.”

Ka ʻUmeke Lama integrates science, equity and cultural understanding to provide a unified approach to cancer care, offering hope for a future where no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.

.

Professor Deborah Taira is a health economist at the University of �鶹��ý at �ᾱ����’s and has extensive experience studying health equity issues for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The professor conducts in-depth research on health disparities that impact AANHPI populations and wants to improve access to clinical trials.

As the country commemorates AANHPI Heritage Month, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity spotlighted Taira’s expertise in a . She revealed that even though national statistics identify �鶹��ý has the highest life expectancy of any state in the U.S., there are still huge health disparities.

“Unfortunately, Native Hawaiians live about 11 years less than Chinese in �鶹��ý,” Taira said. “That’s a huge disparity, and I just feel like that should not exist now, not in our state of �鶹��ý. And so, I’m passionate about trying to do what I can to correct that.”

A legacy of research

Taira has published more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts related to health disparities, cost and health outcomes Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders face. Her interest in studying health disparity started long ago with her mother, a professor of nursing who made house calls in elderly housing projects.

“I remember she brought me along with her. And she said, ‘You can learn more in 5 minutes when you go into these people’s homes. And you see in their fridge they don’t have any food or the place is filthy or whatever. You learn more about what can help the patient by actually getting to know their life circumstances,’” Taira explained.

Along with health disparities, Taira’s research also focuses on medication adherence and cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular interventions. She has worked at the Health Institute at the New England Medical Center examining outcomes from the patient perspective and spent 10 years working at �鶹��ý Medical Service Association analyzing large administrative datasets, including cost and lab data.

Two members of the Dagdag family will participate in ’s commencement ceremonies on May 9. Seanna-Victoria and her father Frederick have earned associate in arts degrees in liberal arts. In addition, Seanna-Victoria’s sister and Frederick’s daughter Landyn-Angelie, an early college student and Maui High School (MHS) class of 2024 graduating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

The learning legacy at UH Maui College spans two generations in a family of nurses, two degrees and multiple program certificates.

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS graduate, crossed my path during our high school outreach for fall registration when she was a senior. She expressed her ambition to become a pharmacist, and her dedication was evident in her academic achievements,” said Eri Nomura, UH Maui College academic counselor. “Following graduation, she seized the opportunity to obtain the pharmacy tech certification during the summer. This experience, I believe, led her to reconsider her career path, ultimately deciding to pursue nursing.”

Since earning her certified pharmacy technician national certification in spring 2022, Seanna-Victoria has been working at a CVS Pharmacy at Target. After graduating with her associate’s degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the UH Maui College nursing program in January 2025.

“Walking across the stage with my father beside me fills me with profound gratitude for his guidance, unwavering support, and countless lessons. His pursuit of education showcases his commitment to continuous learning. Graduating together is more than receiving diplomas; it’s about celebrating our shared journey and the endless possibilities ahead,” said Seanna-Victoria. “The University of �鶹��ý Maui College has been pivotal in my academic growth, expanding my horizons and nurturing my personal development. Faculty dedication guided me, instilling purpose and pride, emphasizing that learning never ceases. I’m immensely grateful for the university’s role in shaping who I am today, laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.”

Frederick Dagdag, father

Frederick completed his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2023. He accepted an automatic admission offer, and is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree through UH West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he graduated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs �鶹��ý.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I graduate from Maui College with an associate degree in liberal arts and a CO in information security. Returning to school to continue my education alongside my daughter, I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. This milestone is not only about academic achievement, but also about resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning,“ Frederick said.

“Maui College has given me the opportunity to earn an education while being close to home. In addition, UH Maui has provided me with numerous resources and a supportive community that have helped me, and countless others, to move forward in our educational accomplishments.”

Check out more stories of our UH spring graduates

Frederick added, “Sharing this moment with my daughter, who is also earning her associate degree in liberal arts, adds an extra sense of pride and joy. As we both step onto the stage together, we represent the spirit of determination and the belief that learning is a journey with no age limits.”

—By Valerie Matsunaga

Twelve students and alumni from the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo (DKICP) have successfully secured positions in postgraduate residency programs across the country through a rigorous national process. Facilitated by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the annual event, dubbed Match Day, orchestrates the placement of qualified candidates into coveted postgraduate year one (PGY1) or postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency programs at various hospitals and healthcare institutions nationwide.

“We are very pleased that 86% of our students matched in this highly competitive process,” said DKICP Dean Rae Matsumoto. “That’s a high percentage, reflecting the quality of our students and their achievements in academics, service and scholarship over their four-year career here at the DKICP and beyond. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I congratulate them for their incredible efforts.”

Students and graduates will begin their respective PGY1 work this summer.

Residency matches

PGY1

• Carly Bell—VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, Reno, Nevada
• Brennan Buccat—MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, Tacoma, Washington
• Trang Bui—Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
• Dyani Chock—The Queen’s Medical Center, Honolulu, �鶹��ý
• Sean Domingo—University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Olatunji Gbadebo—Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota
• Chase Ibia—Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Honolulu, �鶹��ý
• Teva Kealoha Meyer—The Queen’s Health System, Honolulu, �鶹��ý
• Jane Lakritz—Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, California
• Skye Pyo—Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Tacoma, Washington
• Megan Woolsey—VA Pacific Islands HCS, Honolulu, �鶹��ý

PGY2

• 2023 DKICP graduate Chrystal Cardoza—Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo (DKICP) and have forged a partnership to enhance the training of pharmacy technician students, which responds to the growing demand across the state to fill these positions.

DKICP faculty will teach UH Maui College students, both in-person and online, preparing them for a national immunization certification exam. The certification verifies an individual has completed the necessary training and met the requirements to administer immunizations.

“For pharmacy technicians to get immunization certification is a gold standard that our faculty involvement can help provide for students in this UH Maui College program,” said DKICP Dean Rae Matsumoto.

Under this innovative alliance, students in UH Maui College’s pharmacy technician program will gain the opportunity to complete coursework and critical credentials.

“This additional level of training allows our graduates to perform at the top of their profession,” said UH Maui College pharmacy technician instructor Valerie Matsunaga, “We saw how important these skills are during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Workforce development

UH Maui College has offered the Pharmacy Technician Immersion degree program since 2008. In fall 2023, a career skills lab funded in partnership with CVS Health and designed like a real Longs Drugs pharmacy opened on the Maui campus. The workforce development initiative continues to provide hands-on skills training for students throughout its 15-week program.

• Related UH News story: Apprenticeship trailblazer: UH Maui College pharmacy technician graduate, December 19, 2023

UH Maui College and DKICP have an articulation program so students in continuing education on the Maui campus can continue on at the Hilo campus.

Three Molokai Drugs employees earned national certification as pharmacy technicians ( CPhT), thanks to free training provided by , a partnership among the , employers and organizations that want to help �鶹��ý residents attain good quality jobs.

By earning the CPhT credential, pharmacy technicians demonstrate their knowledge and commitment in medication safety and effective patient care across pharmacy settings. Cynthia Rawlins is among the newly certified pharmacy technicians. She prepared for the CPhT exam on the weekends and in the evenings—after working a full-time job at Molokai Drugs.

“Thank you to the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges and Good Jobs �鶹��ý for giving me this opportunity,” said Rawlins. “I was able to coordinate my certified pharmacy technician classes while balancing my family life as a wife and a mother and working full-time. I am especially appreciative of the encouragement from my husband, Walter ‘Braj’ Rawlins, Jr. He has been very supportive of my career goals and aspirations.”

Read more about Good Jobs �鶹��ý

Good Jobs �鶹��ý provided tuition, fees, books, online classes, onsite training at Molokaʻi Drugs, exam fees and travel to Maui for the CPhT exam. Along with Rawlins, two other Molokai Drugs employees—Precious Asuncion and Tyra-Lynn Mollena-Lopez—became nationally certified pharmacy technicians in fall 2023 through Good Jobs �鶹��ý.

“We encourage �鶹��ý companies to partner with the University of �鶹��ý community colleges to provide ‘upskilling’ for our workforce,” said Kimberly Mikami Svetin, Molokai Drugs president. “At little or no cost to the employer, Good Jobs �鶹��ý has helped a number of our Molokai Drugs staff garner valuable skills and training. Our employees were able to continue their education on Molokaʻi via synchronous classes and support from their professors at the University of �鶹��ý Maui College.”

Two more Molokai Drugs employees are taking the pharmacy technician class this spring.

Good Jobs �鶹��ý offers free skills training in �鶹��ý’s high-demand sectors including healthcare, technology, clean energy/skilled trades and creative industries that can lead to pathways for better-paying jobs and accelerate careers.