University of Hawaii-West Oahu vs Hawaii Pacific University: which has better ROI?
Hawaii Pacific University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,628 in 10.6 years versus 11.1 years at University of Hawaii-West Oahu, on median earnings of $59,593 vs $52,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Hawaii Pacific University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,327 | $29,657 |
| Total net cost | $41,308 | $118,628 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,075 | $59,593 |
| Median debt | $14,500 | $22,000 |
| Payback | 11.1 yrs | 10.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $32,992 | $106,032 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Hawaii-West Oahu or Hawaii Pacific University?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu, at $10,327 a year after aid versus $29,657 — a gap of $19,330 a year, or $77,320 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 Hawaii Pacific University graduates earn more?
Hawaii Pacific University graduates report a median $59,593 ten years after entry, $7,518 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 Hawaii Pacific University?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu: its completers carry a median $14,500 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Hawaii Pacific University, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
50% of students finish at University of Hawaii-West Oahu, 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.