The cost of college in Hawaii — and what it pays back
Across the 13 Hawaii institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $10,327/yr, $6,579 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $45,105 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 5 of the 13 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$10,327
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$45,105
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
11.1 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
5/13
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Hawaii's 13 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong0
Solid1
Slow3
Weak9
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | $15,664 | $57,624 | 6.8 yrs |
| Hawaii Pacific University | $29,657 | $59,593 | 10.6 yrs |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | $10,327 | $52,075 | 11.1 yrs |
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii | $16,774 | $52,064 | 18.1 yrs |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | $28,856 | $52,343 | 29 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeward Community College | $5,137 | $39,899 | no payback |
| Kapiolani Community College | $5,202 | $44,599 | no payback |
| Honolulu Community College | $7,458 | $45,105 | no payback |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | $8,061 | $34,453 | no payback |
| Windward Community College | $8,169 | $38,439 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Hawaii?
The median net price across Hawaii colleges is $10,327/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Hawaii cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $10,327/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $6,579/yr less.
What do Hawaii college graduates earn?
A median $45,105 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Hawaii college pays for itself fastest?
University of Hawaii at Manoa — about 6.8 years to clear its $62,656 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-hawaii page.