University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii · Public · 86.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 72/100 · Fair Value
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,186/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $34,218/yr |
| Average net price | $15,664/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $62,656 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,624 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $196 |
| Estimated payback period | 9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,029 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $10,675 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,246 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,469 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,760 |
| $110,001+ | $22,562 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $48,005 | D |
| Marketing | $58,999 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $120,258 | A |
| Biology | $45,307 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $64,224 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,072 | C |
| Teacher Education | $55,490 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,332 | D |
| Civil Engineering | $87,286 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $62,119 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Hawaii at Manoa is $12,186/year ($34,218/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,664/year, or roughly $62,656 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,675/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,562/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $196 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,624 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.47 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 73.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 75.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 86.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 533-640 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 548-653 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-25 |
| Enrollment | 15,029 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 26.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,472 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa (this school) | 72 | $15,664 | $57,624 |
| Oakland University | 71 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| Montclair State University | 71 | $15,566 | $61,415 |
| Kansas State University | 69 | $19,406 | $57,262 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | 67 | $10,327 | $52,075 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | 47 | $11,856 | $47,856 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Hawaii at Manoa offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $15,664 per year leads to $62,656 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,624 a decade out. The payback period of 9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $18,500 against $57,624 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.