College Costs in Hilo, HI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Hilo, Hawaii. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,568
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,011
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,560
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Hilo Overview
Population
45,703
Student Population
4,024 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
120 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Hilo
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,848
Total After Financial Aid
$94,848
Annual Cost
$23,712
Annual After Aid
$23,712
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,848 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,077 |
| Total Interest | $34,390 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,238 |
Universities in Hilo
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | Public | $8,568 |
| Hawaii Community College | Community | $3,432 |
Hilo has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hilo vs. National Average
| Category | Hilo | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,568 | $10,940 | -$2,372 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,560 | $1,050 | +$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 100 | +20 |
Hilo's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Hilo
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,024 students
Hilo has a total population of 45,703, with approximately 4,024 college students (8.8% of the population). Hilo has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hilo
$63,318
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hilo earn a median starting salary of $63,318, which is $28,318 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,848 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,602 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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