University of Hawaii at Manoa vs Hawaii Pacific University: which has better ROI?
University of Hawaii at Manoa has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,656 in 6.8 years versus 10.6 years at Hawaii Pacific University, on median earnings of $57,624 vs $59,593 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Pacific University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,664 | $29,657 |
| Total net cost | $62,656 | $118,628 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,624 | $59,593 |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $22,000 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 10.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $122,624 | $106,032 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Hawaii at Manoa or Hawaii Pacific University?
University of Hawaii at Manoa, at $15,664 a year after aid versus $29,657 — a gap of $13,993 a year, or $55,972 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Hawaii at Manoa or Hawaii Pacific University graduates earn more?
Hawaii Pacific University graduates report a median $59,593 ten years after entry, $1,969 more than the $57,624 at University of Hawaii at Manoa. 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, University of Hawaii at Manoa or Hawaii Pacific University?
University of Hawaii at Manoa: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Hawaii Pacific University, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at University of Hawaii at Manoa, 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.