Rankings / By State
Best Business Colleges in Hawaii
- 10
- Schools
- $47,540
- Avg. Earnings
- 42%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,048
- Avg. Net Price
- $14,990
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $34,453 at the low end to $59,593 at the top. That 1.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
Kapiolani Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $44,599 against $5,202 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is Leeward Community College, at $5,137 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates 63% of its students, well above the 42% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Brigham Young University-Hawaii: graduates owe only 0.18× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Brigham Young University-Hawaii ($52,064 earnings), not the highest earner, Hawaii Pacific University ($59,593). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Leeward Community College ($5,137/yr) and Hawaii Pacific University ($29,657/yr) produce graduates earning $39,899 and $59,593 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $24,520 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Kapiolani Community College outperforms Hawaii Pacific University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Kapiolani Community College and University of Hawaii at Manoa. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $52K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Brigham Young University-Hawaii #1 overall | $52,064 ▲ +10% vs avg | $16,774 | 54% | 75 |
| 2 University of Hawaii-West Oahu #2 overall | $52,075 ▲ +10% vs avg | $10,327 | 48% | 75 |
| 3 Hawaii Pacific University #3 overall | $59,593 ▲ +25% vs avg | $29,657 | 38% | 72 |
| $52,343 ▲ +10% vs avg | $28,856 | 57% | 71 | |
| $57,624 ▲ +21% vs avg | $15,664 | 63% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Business Colleges in Hawaii
This analysis ranks 10 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $47,540 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 42% and an average net price of $14,048.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Kapiolani Community College — Net Price: $5,202 | Graduation Rate: 21%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Hawaii at Manoa — 63% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Hawaii Pacific University — Median alumni earnings: $59,593
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$49,960
Median earnings (10yr)
41%
Median graduation rate
$11,092
Median net price
3.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Management education makes a blunt promise: pay now, earn more later. Top-tier programs keep that promise through network effects and placement outcomes. Many others raise earnings barely enough to cover their cost. The spread in outcomes across programs is wider here than in almost any other discipline.
Across the 10 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $49,960 ten years after they first enrolled, about $1,960 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 41%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $11,092 a year, with about $13,770 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 26% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 3.2%.
In management education, network effects amplify everything. Graduates earn a median of $49,960 ten years after enrollment, and Brigham Young University-Hawaii leads the field. The gap between the top and the middle is wide enough that school selection may be the most consequential financial decision in this category.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Brigham Young University-Hawaii lands at #1 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,064 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,774 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Hawaii-West Oahu lands at #2 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,075 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,327 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Hawaii Pacific University lands at #3 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $59,593 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,657 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Chaminade University of Honolulu lands at #4 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $52,343 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,856 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Hawaii at Manoa lands at #5 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,624 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,664 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Hawaii at Hilo lands at #6 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,856 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,856 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Kapiolani Community College lands at #7 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,599 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,202 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Leeward Community College lands at #8 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $39,899 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,137 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Hawaii Maui College lands at #9 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $34,453 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,061 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Hawaii Community College lands at #10 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $34,891 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,942 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 10 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →When considering the best business colleges in Hawaii, prospective students and families are often looking for programs that not only offer quality education but also lead to solid career outcomes. With average earnings of $47,540 for graduates in this field, it’s clear that the right choice can have a significant impact on future success.
The schools on this list stand out based on key outcomes: earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and overall completion rates. Weighing these factors helps illuminate which programs might provide the best return on investment. Below, we rank Hawaii's business colleges to give you a clearer picture of what to expect from each institution.
For example, the University of Hawaii at Manoa leads the list with average earnings of $57,624 and a graduation rate of 63%. In contrast, Kapiolani Community College has lower earnings at $44,599 and a much lower graduation rate of 21%. These differences highlight the trade-offs students may face between cost and potential earnings after graduation.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals a notable trend: while the University of Hawaii at Manoa boasts a higher earning potential, it comes with a debt burden of $18,500, compared to Kapiolani Community College's $9,229. This trade-off may make the latter a more accessible option for some students, despite its lower earnings and graduation rate.
As you sift through these rankings, consider how each school aligns with your personal priorities. Location, specific program strengths, campus culture, and financial implications are all important factors to weigh alongside these metrics. Reflect on what matters most to you and your future career path as you evaluate your options.
Ultimately, the journey from college to a stable career is shaped by decisions made today. Families need to think critically about these choices, not just in terms of earnings but also how well a program fits an individual’s aspirations and financial reality. One student’s path will look different from another’s, and understanding the nuances in this data is crucial as you prepare for the future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Business Colleges in Hawaii: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Business Colleges in Hawaii ranking? +
Brigham Young University-Hawaii in Laie, HI ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Business Colleges in Hawaii ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $52,064 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 54% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Hawaii Pacific University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $59,593 ten years after enrollment, well above the $47,540 average across the 10 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Kapiolani Community College leads: graduates earn a median $44,599 against net price of about $5,202 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Hawaii at Manoa has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 63%, compared with a 42% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,048 a year across the 10 ranked schools with cost data. Leeward Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,137. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Business Colleges in Hawaii ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 10 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
