At $28,061/yr net price, Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn $52,343/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,343/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,061 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,343/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,343/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,894/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,135/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,488/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,305/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,774/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,343 | $28,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,415 | $41,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $51,273 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,046 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $45,934 | $51,455 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,305 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $45,026 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $22,548 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,072 | $23,235 |
The Risk Factor
58.1% of students at Chaminade University of Honolulu graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Chaminade University delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its high costs for most students. With median earnings of $52,343 ten years after graduation against a net price of $28,061 annually, you're paying premium prices for below-average outcomes in Hawaii's expensive job market.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, generating $62,343 in median earnings with reasonable debt loads of $28,000. Business Administration also performs well at $56,415, though graduates carry significantly more debt at $41,000. Educational Administration shows promise at $57,318, but teaching programs generally underperform given their modest earnings potential of $47,000-$51,000.
The 58% graduation rate signals academic and financial risk. Nearly half of students either don't finish or take longer than expected, driving up total costs. The 74% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere.
You should only consider Chaminade if you're pursuing nursing or have specific ties to Hawaii that make location worth the premium. The school makes little financial sense for students who could attend mainland universities with stronger job placement and lower costs. Hawaii's isolated job market limits opportunities, and most graduates will struggle to earn enough to justify the investment.
Merit aid appears limited given that only 42% of students receive financial assistance. Your best cost strategy involves completing general education requirements at a community college first, then transferring for your final two years. Out-of-state students face particularly poor value since you'll pay high costs without the benefit of in-state job connections that might offset the weak returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chaminade University of Honolulu worth the cost?
With a net price of $28,061 and median earnings of $52,343 ten years after graduation, Chaminade offers below-average returns compared to most four-year universities. The 58% graduation rate also means significant risk of not completing your degree.
What are the best paying majors at Chaminade University of Honolulu?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $62,343, followed by educational administration at $57,318. Business graduates earn $56,415, while education majors typically earn in the $47,000-$51,000 range.
How much debt do Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable given the relatively low graduation rate. However, nursing and business graduates typically earn enough to handle this debt load better than education majors.
Should I attend Chaminade University of Honolulu for teaching?
Teaching graduates earn $47,046-$51,273, which makes the $28,061 annual cost difficult to justify financially. Consider whether Hawaii location benefits outweigh the poor return on investment for education careers.