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College Costs in Kailua, HI 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Kailua, Hawaii. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.

Avg Public Tuition

$3,432

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$43,260

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$1,514

per month

Colleges & Universities

3

institutions

Kailua Overview

Population

40,514

Student Population

1,396 (3.4%)

Cost of Living Index

109 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

31/100

Transit Score

11/100

Unemployment Rate

3.3%

College Cost Calculator for Kailua

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$76,244

Total After Financial Aid

$76,244

Annual Cost

$19,061

Annual After Aid

$19,061

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$13,728
Room & Board$62,516

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$76,244
Monthly Payment$866
Total Interest$27,644
Total Loan Cost$103,888

Universities in Kailua

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
University of Hawaii WindwardPublic$3,432
Windward Community CollegeCommunity$3,432

Kailua has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in Kailua vs. National Average

CategoryKailuaNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$3,432$10,940-$7,508
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,514$1,050+$464
Cost of Living Index109100+9

Kailua'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 Kailua

31

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

11

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

3.4%

Student Population

1,396 students

Kailua has a total population of 40,514, with approximately 1,396 college students (3.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Kailua offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Kailua

$55,995

Starting Salary

3.3%

Unemployment Rate

74%

Graduation Rate

~4 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Kailua earn a median starting salary of $55,995, which is $20,995 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $76,244 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,491 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

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