College Costs in Honolulu, HI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Honolulu, Hawaii. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,186
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$27,060
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,330
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Honolulu Overview
Population
350,964
Student Population
34,029 (9.7%)
Cost of Living Index
121 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
62/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Honolulu
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,024
Total After Financial Aid
$99,024
Annual Cost
$24,756
Annual After Aid
$24,756
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,024 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,124 |
| Total Interest | $35,904 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,928 |
Universities in Honolulu
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Public | $12,186 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Private | $27,060 |
| Honolulu Community College | Community | $3,432 |
Honolulu has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Honolulu vs. National Average
| Category | Honolulu | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,186 | $10,940 | +$1,246 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,330 | $1,050 | +$280 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 100 | +21 |
Honolulu'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 Honolulu
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
34,029 students
Honolulu has a total population of 350,964, with approximately 34,029 college students (9.7% of the population). Honolulu has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Honolulu
$51,280
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Honolulu earn a median starting salary of $51,280, which is $16,280 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,024 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,299 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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