Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, Hawaii · Private Nonprofit · 85.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 48/100 · Below Average Value
Hawaii Pacific University scores 48 (Below Average Value) on the CampusROI scale. The defining weakness is a 34.9% completion rate — the lowest in this batch, meaning fewer than 35% of enrolled students earn a degree. This single metric dominates the ROI calculation. Sticker tuition of $34,392, a $29,657 net price, and $118,628 four-year cost are high relative to what most students will earn: $41,800 median 6-year earnings and a 10.5-year payback period. Median debt of $22,000 against $41,800 earnings produces a 0.526 debt-to-earnings ratio. Repayment rate of 74.2% at three years is below average. Nursing (122 graduates) is the clear outlier: $75,892 year one, $112,964 at four years, B+-grade ROI — the strongest program outcome in the mix by a wide margin. Computer Science (11 graduates) earns $72,448 year one and $85,936 at four years, though debt data is not reported. Business Administration (86 graduates) earns $45,651 year one with a C+-grade ROI. Below those programs, outcomes are poor: Psychology (46 graduates) earns $26,081 year one with a D-grade; Ecology (32 graduates) earns $25,499 year one with a D-grade. The $118,628 four-year cost is more than twice the University of Hawaii system's net prices, yet the 34.9% completion rate means two-thirds of enrolled students do not earn a credential to show for that investment. HPU's Honolulu location serves international students and military-affiliated families, which contributes to both the diverse campus and the challenging completion statistics.
The data raises concerns about Hawaii Pacific University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate34.9% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
Hawaii Pacific University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $34,392/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $34,392/yr |
| Average net price | $29,657/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $118,628 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,593 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $233 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 34.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,392 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Hawaii Pacific University is $34,392/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $29,657/year, or roughly $118,628 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $25,758/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,540/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $233 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $59,593 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,758 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,413 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,979 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,450 |
| $110,001+ | $33,540 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $25,758 per year at HPU — a high net price for low-income students at a private institution with a 34.9% completion rate. The UH system (Manoa, Hilo, West Oahu) offers far lower net prices for comparable or stronger outcomes for in-state low-income students. Low-income students in Hawaii should carefully compare HPU against the UH system before enrolling. The only program where HPU's higher cost is clearly justified by outcomes is nursing.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $28,979 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $30,450. Middle-income families paying $29,000-30,000 per year at a school with a 34.9% completion rate and $41,800 median earnings should pressure-test this decision carefully. The nursing program justifies the cost for those who gain admission and complete; most other programs do not.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $33,540 per year — roughly $134,000 over four years. At a 10.5-year payback and $41,800 median earnings, the full-pay case at HPU is weak for most programs. The 34.9% completion rate means there is a two-thirds chance a student who enrolls does not finish. Higher-income families should compare HPU against UH Manoa, which offers stronger program depth, better outcomes, and significantly lower cost, with a completion rate well above HPU's.
Earnings by Major
Top 7 most popular majors at Hawaii Pacific University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $112,964 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $45,651 | C+ |
| Psychology | $58,721 | D |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $25,499 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,193 | D |
| Biology | $49,335 | C |
| Computer Science | $85,936 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (122 graduates) dramatically outperforms the rest of HPU's program mix: $75,892 year one, $112,964 at four years, B+-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.329, median debt $25,000). The four-year trajectory to $112,964 is exceptional and reflects Hawaii's high nursing wages driven by healthcare worker shortages. Honolulu hospital systems pay nursing premiums that are among the highest in the nation on a cost-adjusted basis. Nursing at HPU, for students who complete the degree, represents genuinely strong financial returns.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (86 graduates) earns $45,651 year one with a C+-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.471, median debt $21,500). Scorecard does not report four-year earnings for this cohort. Year-one earnings of $45,651 are moderate for Hawaii's business market. Hawaii's cost of living is very high, and $45,651 provides limited financial flexibility in Honolulu. At $29,657 net price, business graduates face a meaningful debt-to-earnings burden unless career progression is strong.
Psychology
Psychology (46 graduates) earns $26,081 year one and $58,721 at four years — D-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.959, median debt $25,000). Year-one earnings of $26,081 are below Hawaii's cost of living threshold and reflect entry-level human services and mental health roles without graduate licensing. The four-year figure of $58,721 reflects those who entered graduate programs, but the path is not guaranteed. Psychology at HPU at $29,657 net price is a high-financial-risk choice without a firm graduate education plan.
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Ecology (32 graduates) earns $25,499 year one — D-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.980, median debt $25,000). Scorecard does not report four-year earnings. Year-one earnings of $25,499 reflect entry-level field research, conservation, and state agency roles. Hawaii's unique ecology creates real employment in conservation and research, but bachelor's-level positions pay modestly. Students who plan to enter the conservation sector from HPU should have clear plans for the additional credentials or graduate training needed for advancement.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 65.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 69.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 488-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 510-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-27 |
| Enrollment | 2,392 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 21.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,549 |
At 85.9%, HPU is broadly accessible. SAT 488-590 Math and ACT 19-27 describe the middle half of admitted students — a broad academic range. The 34.9% completion rate makes admission almost irrelevant as a risk filter: the primary risk is not getting in but staying and graduating. Prospective students and families should research first-to-second-year retention rates at HPU specifically, not just the four-year completion figure.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
HPU's Scorecard peer schools include Chaminade University of Honolulu (HI), BYU-Hawaii (HI), Bob Jones University (SC), Campbell University (NC), and Trine University (IN). Chaminade (ROI approximately 52) and BYU-Hawaii (ROI approximately 65) are the most direct Hawaii private comparisons. HPU's 48 score reflects the combination of high private-college pricing, low completion, and modest earnings that characterize institutions in this range. BYU-Hawaii significantly outperforms HPU on completion and ROI. The most striking contrast: BYU-Hawaii achieves better outcomes at substantially lower cost, suggesting that for LDS students in Hawaii, HPU is not the default private option.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Pacific University (this school) | 48 | $29,657 | $59,593 |
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 62 | $16,774 | $52,064 |
| Trine University | 52 | $25,355 | $57,165 |
| Campbell University | 49 | $24,516 | $54,886 |
| Bob Jones University | 47 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | 31 | $28,856 | $52,343 |
Who Thrives Here
HPU admits 85.9% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 488-590 Math and 510-610 Reading, ACT composite 19-27. Enrollment of 2,392 is mid-sized for a Honolulu private. Pell rate of 21.5% reflects mixed financial need. HPU attracts a notably international student body alongside military-affiliated and local Hawaii students. The 34.9% completion rate is the most significant concern — fewer than 35 in 100 enrolled students earn a degree, which means the vast majority of students who enroll do not complete. Students considering HPU should have an explicit completion plan and understand what institutional support exists for retention.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Hawaii Pacific University is mixed. At $29,657 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $59,593 ten years after entry - a payback period of 10.5 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 34.9% graduation rate.
Median debt of $22,000 against $59,593 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.