College Costs in Lihue, HI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Lihue, Hawaii. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,998
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Lihue Overview
Population
7,571
Student Population
1,390 (18.4%)
Cost of Living Index
173.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Lihue
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,876
Total After Financial Aid
$115,876
Annual Cost
$28,969
Annual After Aid
$28,969
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,876 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,316 |
| Total Interest | $42,014 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,890 |
Universities in Lihue
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lihue State University | Public | $11,614 |
| Lihue Community College | Community | $7,112 |
Lihue has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lihue vs. National Average
| Category | Lihue | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,000 | $10,940 | +$1,060 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,998 | $1,050 | +$948 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173.5 | 100 | +73.5 |
Lihue'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 Lihue
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,390 students
Lihue has a total population of 7,571, with approximately 1,390 college students (18.4% of the population). As a major college town, Lihue offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lihue
$42,723
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lihue earn a median starting salary of $42,723, which is $7,723 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,876 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,156 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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