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Hawaii Pacific University vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Hawaii Pacific University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,628 in 10.6 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $59,593 vs $52,343 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHawaii Pacific UniversityChaminade University of Honolulu
Net price / yr$29,657$28,856
Total net cost$118,628$115,424
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,593$52,343
Median debt$22,000$23,250
Payback10.6 yrs29 yrs
20-year net return$106,032-$35,764

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

Which is cheaper, Hawaii Pacific University or Chaminade University of Honolulu?

Chaminade University of Honolulu, at $28,856 a year after aid versus $29,657 — a gap of $801 a year, or $3,204 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Hawaii Pacific University or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?

Hawaii Pacific University graduates report a median $59,593 ten years after entry, $7,250 more than the $52,343 at Chaminade University of Honolulu. 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, Hawaii Pacific University or Chaminade University of Honolulu?

Hawaii Pacific University: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Chaminade University of Honolulu, a difference of $1,250. 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 35% at Hawaii Pacific University. 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.

Hawaii Pacific University vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: frequently asked questions

Is Hawaii Pacific University or Chaminade University of Honolulu a better value?
Hawaii Pacific University. It clears its $118,628 net cost in about 10.6 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $59,593 vs $52,343 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Hawaii Pacific University or Chaminade University of Honolulu?
Chaminade University of Honolulu: $28,856/yr net price after aid versus $29,657/yr at Hawaii Pacific University — a difference of $801 a year, or about $3,204 over four years.
Do Hawaii Pacific University or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?
Hawaii Pacific University graduates earn a median $59,593 ten years after entry, versus $52,343 at Chaminade University of Honolulu — a $7,250 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.