University of Hawaii-West Oahu vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: which has better ROI?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $41,308 in 11.1 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $52,075 vs $52,343 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Chaminade University of Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,327 | $28,856 |
| Total net cost | $41,308 | $115,424 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,075 | $52,343 |
| Median debt | $14,500 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 11.1 yrs | 29 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $32,992 | -$35,764 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Hawaii-West Oahu or Chaminade University of Honolulu?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu, at $10,327 a year after aid versus $28,856 — a gap of $18,529 a year, or $74,116 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-West Oahu or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?
Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates report a median $52,343 ten years after entry, $268 more than the $52,075 at University of Hawaii-West Oahu. 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-West Oahu or Chaminade University of Honolulu?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu: its completers carry a median $14,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Chaminade University of Honolulu, a difference of $8,750. 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 50% at University of Hawaii-West Oahu. 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.