College Costs in Wailuku, HI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wailuku, 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
$2,298
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wailuku Overview
Population
17,697
Student Population
1,173 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
181.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Wailuku
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,012
Total After Financial Aid
$119,012
Annual Cost
$29,753
Annual After Aid
$29,753
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,012 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,351 |
| Total Interest | $43,151 |
| Total Loan Cost | $162,163 |
Universities in Wailuku
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wailuku State University | Public | $11,925 |
| Wailuku Community College | Community | $6,822 |
Wailuku has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wailuku vs. National Average
| Category | Wailuku | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,000 | $10,940 | +$1,060 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,298 | $1,050 | +$1,248 |
| Cost of Living Index | 181.1 | 100 | +81.1 |
Wailuku'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 Wailuku
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,173 students
Wailuku has a total population of 17,697, with approximately 1,173 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wailuku offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wailuku
$42,081
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wailuku earn a median starting salary of $42,081, which is $7,081 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,012 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,635 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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