Degree Dividend
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Brigham Young University-Hawaii vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Laie HI · vs · Private nonprofit, Honolulu HI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Brigham Young University-Hawaii has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,096 in 18.1 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $52,064 vs $52,343 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBrigham Young University-HawaiiChaminade University of Honolulu
Net price / yr$16,774$28,856
Total net cost$67,096$115,424
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,064$52,343
Median debt$9,413$23,250
Payback18.1 yrs29 yrs
20-year net return$6,984-$35,764

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Brigham Young University-Hawaii or Chaminade University of Honolulu?

Brigham Young University-Hawaii, at $16,774 a year after aid versus $28,856 — a gap of $12,082 a year, or $48,328 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Brigham Young University-Hawaii or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?

Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates report a median $52,343 ten years after entry, $279 more than the $52,064 at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Brigham Young University-Hawaii or Chaminade University of Honolulu?

Brigham Young University-Hawaii: its completers carry a median $9,413 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Chaminade University of Honolulu, a difference of $13,837. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Chaminade University of Honolulu, against 53% at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: frequently asked questions

Is Brigham Young University-Hawaii or Chaminade University of Honolulu a better value?
Brigham Young University-Hawaii. It clears its $67,096 net cost in about 18.1 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $52,064 vs $52,343 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Brigham Young University-Hawaii or Chaminade University of Honolulu?
Brigham Young University-Hawaii: $16,774/yr net price after aid versus $28,856/yr at Chaminade University of Honolulu — a difference of $12,082 a year, or about $48,328 over four years.
Do Brigham Young University-Hawaii or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?
Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn a median $52,343 ten years after entry, versus $52,064 at Brigham Young University-Hawaii — a $279 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.