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Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 13 schools · Agent Insights
13
Schools Analyzed
$45,831
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
40%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$12,811
Avg. Net Price

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Finding an affordable college in Hawaii can be a challenge, but several schools stand out for their low net prices. These institutions provide pathways to a college education without overwhelming debt. On average, students from these schools graduate with significantly less debt than the national average, making them appealing options for families looking to keep costs down.

What sets these colleges apart is not just their affordability but also their outcomes. The schools on this list have varying graduation rates and earning potentials, reflecting their different approaches to education and student support. When weighing options, consider the average earnings of graduates — which sit around $45,831 — alongside completion rates that hover around 40%. This data helps illustrate the value these schools provide beyond just the price tag.

For example, Leeward Community College offers a low net price of $5,137, but its graduation rate is only 33%. In contrast, the University of Hawaii-West Oahu has a higher net price at $10,327 but boasts a graduation rate of 48%. This means that while Leeward is cheaper upfront, the potential for completing a degree and increasing earnings could be higher at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. These factors are crucial to consider as we dive deeper into the rankings below.

Key Findings

Leeward Community College has a net price of $5,137 and a graduation rate of 33%.

The average earnings for graduates from these schools is $45,831.

University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduates earn $52,075 on average with a 48% graduation rate.

Windward Community College has a net price of $8,169 and a graduation rate of 30%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 13
Avg. earnings at 10yr $45,831
Avg. graduation rate 40%
Avg. net price $12,811
Avg. median debt $13,649

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price in Hawaii

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

$15K$68K$120K$0$50KNET PRICELeeward CommunityKapiolani CommunityHonolulu CommunityWindward CommunityUniversity of

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Leeward Community College33%Kapiolani Community Coll…21%Honolulu Community Colle…30%Windward Community Colle…30%University of Hawaii-Wes…48%Hawaii Community College32%University of Hawaii Mau…28%University of Hawaii at …45%Kauai Community College37%University of Hawaii at …63%Brigham Young University…54%Chaminade University of …57%Hawaii Pacific University38%

Top 3

#1

Leeward Community College

Pearl City, HI

Graduation33%
Earnings$39,899
Net Price$5,137

View full profile →
#2

Kapiolani Community College

Honolulu, HI

Graduation21%
Earnings$44,599
Net Price$5,202

View full profile →
#3

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu, HI

Graduation30%
Earnings$45,105
Net Price$7,458

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

#1

Leeward Community College

Pearl City, HI · 3,438 students · Public

With 3,438 students, Leeward Community College in Pearl City has a strong sense of community and support. The median earnings for graduates ten years post-enrollment sit at $39,899, signaling a solid return on investment for students pursuing their education here.
33% graduate $39,899 earnings
Leeward's full profile
#2

Kapiolani Community College

Honolulu, HI · 3,910 students · Public

Kapiolani Community College, located in the heart of Honolulu, caters to 3,910 students and offers a vibrant campus life. Graduates can expect median earnings of $44,599 within a decade of their studies, indicating favorable economic outcomes for many alumni.
21% graduate $44,599 earnings
Kapiolani's full profile
#3

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu, HI · 1,897 students · Public

Honolulu Community College serves a tight-knit community of 1,897 students, situated in a city rich with culture and opportunities. With a graduation rate of 30%, the college supports students in achieving their academic goals, and median earnings after ten years reach $45,105, reflecting a strong potential for financial success.
30% graduate $45,105 earnings
Honolulu's full profile
#4

Windward Community College

Kaneohe, HI · 1,159 students · Public

Windward Community College, nestled in Kaneohe, serves a smaller population of 1,159 students, creating an intimate learning atmosphere. Graduates earn a median income of $38,439 ten years after completing their studies, which offers a stable financial outlook for many.
30% graduate $38,439 earnings
Windward's full profile
#5

University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Kapolei, HI · 2,519 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 95%, the University of Hawaii-West Oahu serves as an accessible entry point for many students looking to pursue higher education. Located in Kapolei, this public university has a diverse student body of 2,519, and its graduates see median earnings of $52,075 ten years after starting their careers, suggesting a solid return on investment for many graduates.
95% accepted 48% graduate $52,075 earnings
University's full profile
#6

Hawaii Community College

Hilo, HI · 1,546 students · Public

Hawaii Community College in Hilo offers a small, close-knit environment with 1,546 students, ideal for those who thrive in more personalized learning settings. At this public institution, graduates earn a median of $34,891 ten years post-graduation, which reflects a reasonable trajectory for many of its alumni, even as the graduation rate sits at 32%.
32% graduate $34,891 earnings
Hawaii's full profile
#7

University of Hawaii Maui College

Kahului, HI · 1,700 students · Public

The University of Hawaii Maui College, located in Kahului, caters to students seeking a more intimate college experience with about 1,700 peers. Graduates earn a median of $34,453 a decade after leaving, but with a graduation rate of just 28%, prospective students should consider the challenges that may lie ahead.
28% graduate $34,453 earnings
University's full profile
#8

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, HI · 2,160 students · Public

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers a unique blend of a strong academic environment and a stunning location. With 2,160 students, the campus is large enough to provide diverse opportunities but still maintains a sense of community. Graduates here earn a median of $47,856 ten years after graduation, reflecting a promising return on their educational investment, especially given the 45% graduation rate.
61% accepted 45% graduate $47,856 earnings
University's full profile
#9

Kauai Community College

Lihue, HI · 716 students · Public

With a tight-knit community of just 716 students, Kauai Community College offers a personalized education in the beautiful setting of Lihue, Hawaii. This public college is an appealing choice for those who thrive in smaller environments and want to build strong relationships with faculty and peers.
37% graduate $36,868 earnings
Kauai's full profile
#10

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · 15,029 students · Public

Sitting in Honolulu and home to over 15,000 students, the University of Hawaii at Manoa combines a vibrant campus life with academic diversity. With a graduation rate of 63%, many students find pathways to success across various fields, suggesting a supportive environment for those seeking an enriching college experience.
87% accepted 63% graduate $57,624 earnings
University's full profile
#11

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Laie, HI · 2,889 students · Private nonprofit

Brigham Young University-Hawaii, located in Laie, is a private nonprofit institution with a strong sense of community among its 2,889 students. With a focus on values and education, students here often find a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal growth and academic achievement, reflected in a graduation rate of 54%.
47% accepted 54% graduate $52,064 earnings
Brigham's full profile
#12

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honolulu, HI · 1,672 students · Private nonprofit

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a supportive community in a city known for its rich culture. With a graduation rate of 57% and a focus on service and leadership, students here often engage deeply with their studies and the surrounding community, which can enhance their overall college experience.
91% accepted 57% graduate $52,343 earnings
Chaminade's full profile
#13

Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu, HI · 2,392 students · Private nonprofit

With a vibrant location in Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University offers a unique perspective on education that blends diverse cultures with stunning natural beauty. The campus is home to just under 2,400 students, creating a close-knit community where personal connections can flourish. The 86% acceptance rate suggests that the university values inclusivity, welcoming a broad array of students from various backgrounds.
86% accepted 38% graduate $59,593 earnings
Hawaii's full profile

When we compare Leeward Community College and Honolulu Community College, we see a clear divergence in performance metrics. Leeward has a net price of $5,137 but graduates only 33% of its students. In contrast, Honolulu Community College has a higher net price of $7,458 but a graduation rate of 30%. The difference in net price might make Leeward more attractive initially, yet the slight edge in graduation rate at Honolulu suggests a more supportive environment for completing a degree.

As you evaluate these options, think about what matters most to you and your family. Weigh factors such as location, program offerings, and campus culture against net price and debt levels. For instance, if you prioritize a lower debt load, Leeward Community College could be a better choice. However, if completing a degree on time is crucial, considering schools with higher graduation rates may be worthwhile, even if they come with a slightly higher price tag.

Ultimately, the data presents a clear picture of the financial landscape of college in Hawaii. With the average earnings for graduates sitting at $45,831, choosing the right school can significantly impact financial stability after graduation. Each family's situation is unique, and the decision should align with your long-term goals. A well-informed choice today can set the stage for a secure future for your family.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

DK

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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