Hawaii College Costs 2026
Compare tuition at HI public universities, private schools, and community colleges. Estimate total costs with financial aid and loan payments.
Public Tuition
$11,700
Private Tuition
$32,600
Student Debt
$30,600
Starting Salary
$48,500
Cost Calculator
Loan Estimate
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,600
Total After Financial Aid
$103,600
Annual Cost
$25,900
Annual After Aid
$25,900
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,176 |
| Total Interest | $37,563 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,163 |
Hawaii College Costs Overview
Hawaii is home to 6+ major colleges and universities offering diverse educational opportunities. The average in-state tuition at HI public universities is $11,700 per year, which is 7% above the national average of $10,940. When you add room and board ($14,200/year), the total annual cost of attending a public university in Hawaii reaches $25,900.
Private universities in Hawaii average $32,600 per year in tuition alone, making a 4-year private degree approximately $187,200 including room and board. For students seeking a more affordable path, Hawaii community colleges charge an average of just $3,300 per year, offering significant savings for the first two years before transferring to a four-year institution.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Hawaii
| Category | Annual Cost | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Public In-State Tuition | $11,700 | $46,800 |
| Public Out-of-State Tuition | $30,420 | $121,680 |
| Private University Tuition | $32,600 | $130,400 |
| Community College | $3,300 | $6,600 |
| Room & Board (all types) | $14,200 | $56,800 |
Out-of-state students at Hawaii public universities typically pay 2-3x the in-state rate. Establishing residency in HI before enrollment can save $74,880 over four years.
Top Colleges & Universities in Hawaii
PTop Public Schools
- •University of Hawaii at Manoa — ~$11,700/yr (in-state)
- •University of Hawaii at Hilo — ~$11,700/yr (in-state)
- •University of Hawaii Maui College — ~$11,700/yr (in-state)
RTop Private Schools
- •Hawaii Pacific University — ~$32,600/yr
- •Chaminade University — ~$32,600/yr
- •Brigham Young University-Hawaii — ~$32,600/yr
Hawaii Financial Aid Programs
Hawaii offers the B Plus Scholarship for students with a 3.0+ GPA attending University of Hawaii campuses. The Hawaii State Incentive Grant provides need-based aid, and the Promise Scholarship covers tuition at community colleges.
Beyond state programs, Hawaii students can access federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and federal work-study programs. Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility. Use our FAFSA EFC Calculator to estimate your expected family contribution.
Student Outcomes in Hawaii
48%
Graduation Rate
$48,500
Avg Starting Salary
$30,600
Median Student Debt
192
Cost of Living Index
The average college graduate in Hawaii earns $48,500 in their first year after graduation, with a cost of living index of 192 (the national average is 100). The higher cost of living in Hawaii means you may need a higher salary to maintain the same standard of living as graduates in lower-cost states. With a 48% graduation rate at public universities, students who choose Hawaii schools should leverage academic support resources and careful major selection to maximize their chances of completing their degree.
Tips for Reducing College Costs in Hawaii
- 1Start at a community college. At $3,300/year, completing your first two years at a HI community college before transferring can save $16,800 compared to starting at a public university.
- 2Apply for state financial aid early. Hawaii state aid programs have limited funding. File your FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1 to maximize your eligibility.
- 3Earn credits in high school. AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs let you earn college credit before enrolling, potentially saving a full semester or more of tuition.
- 4Graduate on time. Each extra year costs $25,900 at a public school. Only 48% of students at HI public universities graduate in 4 years—plan your course schedule carefully.
- 5Consider living off-campus. Room and board averages $14,200/year. Off-campus housing or living at home can significantly reduce this expense depending on local rental markets.
Compare with Neighboring States
| State | Public Tuition | Room & Board | Student Debt | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (HI) | $11,700 | $14,200 | $30,600 | $48,500 |
| California (CA) | $9,800 | $16,800 | $33,800 | $57,600 |
| Alaska (AK) | $8,100 | $13,500 | $31,200 | $52,400 |
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