At $35,048/yr net price, Hawaii Medical College graduates earn $38,880/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,880/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,048 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $140,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,880/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,880/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 28.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,785/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $35,271/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $35,950/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,708/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,181/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $30,475 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,729 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
34.8% of students at Hawaii Medical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
The math at Hawaii Medical College does not work in your favor. You pay about $35,000 a year in net price, and the median graduate earns $38,880 a year ten years out. That means a single year of attendance costs nearly as much as a full year of post-graduation pay, and this is a two-year school, so you are looking at roughly $70,000 in net cost against earnings that barely clear that line a decade later.
The two programs with earnings data are both certificates, not degrees, and both pay under $31,000. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $30,475. Medical Assisting graduates earn $27,729. Neither figure justifies a $35,000-a-year price tag. These are entry-level allied health credentials in Honolulu, one of the most expensive cities in the country, where those salaries stretch thin.
The graduation rate is the biggest risk. Only about a third of students finish. If you enroll and do not complete, you carry whatever debt you took on with no credential to show for it, and Honolulu's cost of living gives you no cushion to absorb that.
The one bright spot is debt. Median debt sits at $13,000, and the certificate programs come in around $9,500. That is low, which softens the downside if the training gets you a stable medical assisting or admin job you want.
Net price barely moves with family income here. Whether you earn under $30,000 or over $110,000, you pay roughly $35,000. There is no meaningful discount for lower-income families, so if you are paying out of pocket or through loans, plan for close to full price regardless.
This school fits you if you want a specific medical assisting or administrative credential fast, can pay cash or borrow little, and have a local job lined up. If you are counting on strong earnings to repay costs, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii Medical College worth the cost for medical careers?
With graduates earning $38,880 annually while paying $35,048 per year in tuition, Hawaii Medical College offers poor return on investment. The low 35% graduation rate also indicates many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Hawaii Medical College have the best job prospects?
Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn around $30,475, while Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates make $27,729. Both figures are below the school's average annual cost of attendance.
How much debt do Hawaii Medical College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $13,000, which helps offset some concerns about earning potential. However, even this modest debt load may be challenging given the low graduate salaries.
Does Hawaii Medical College provide good financial aid to students?
The net price of $35,048 annually suggests limited financial aid effectiveness, as this represents what students actually pay after aid is applied. This high cost paired with low graduate earnings creates significant financial risk.