College Costs in Pearl City, HI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Pearl City, 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
$2,160
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Pearl City Overview
Population
47,698
Student Population
3,617 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
185.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Pearl City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,376
Total After Financial Aid
$122,376
Annual Cost
$30,594
Annual After Aid
$30,594
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,376 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,390 |
| Total Interest | $44,371 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,747 |
Universities in Pearl City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl City State University | Public | $12,970 |
| Pearl City Community College | Community | $7,624 |
Pearl City has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pearl City vs. National Average
| Category | Pearl City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,000 | $10,940 | +$1,060 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,160 | $1,050 | +$1,110 |
| Cost of Living Index | 185.2 | 100 | +85.19999999999999 |
Pearl City'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 Pearl City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,617 students
Pearl City has a total population of 47,698, with approximately 3,617 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Pearl City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pearl City
$44,978
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pearl City earn a median starting salary of $44,978, which is $9,978 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,376 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,798 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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