College Costs in Waipahu, HI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Waipahu, 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
$2,040
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Waipahu Overview
Population
38,216
Student Population
2,215 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
182.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Waipahu
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,028
Total After Financial Aid
$123,028
Annual Cost
$30,757
Annual After Aid
$30,757
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,028 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,397 |
| Total Interest | $44,607 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,635 |
Universities in Waipahu
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Waipahu State University | Public | $12,436 |
| Waipahu Community College | Community | $7,575 |
Waipahu has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Waipahu vs. National Average
| Category | Waipahu | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,000 | $10,940 | +$1,060 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,040 | $1,050 | +$990 |
| Cost of Living Index | 182.5 | 100 | +82.5 |
Waipahu'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 Waipahu
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,215 students
Waipahu has a total population of 38,216, with approximately 2,215 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Waipahu offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Waipahu
$35,886
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~139 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Waipahu earn a median starting salary of $35,886, which is $886 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,028 (including room and board), it would take approximately 139 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,920 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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