At $30,557/yr net price, Hawaii Pacific University graduates earn $59,593/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,593/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,557 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,593/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,593/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,082/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,770/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,932/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,793/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,920/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 | $64,990 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,683 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,696 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,649 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,017 | $24,539 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,988 | $21,500 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Hawaii Pacific University 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
Hawaii Pacific University delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its $30,557 annual net price. With median earnings of $59,593 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a degree that barely pays off the investment.
Nursing stands out as the only financially sound choice, generating $64,990 in median earnings with manageable debt of $22,500. This program connects well to Hawaii's healthcare job market and provides clear career pathways. Every other major at HPU falls short of financial expectations.
Business and computer science graduates earn disappointing salaries of $49,683 and $47,260 respectively, far below what these fields typically pay elsewhere. Education majors face the worst prospects, earning in the mid-$40,000s while carrying similar debt loads. These low earnings reflect Hawaii's limited job market outside tourism and healthcare.
The 41% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. More than half of students who start at HPU never finish, yet still accumulate debt. The 57% retention rate signals widespread student dissatisfaction or academic struggles.
Only 20% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability. Without substantial family resources or a clear nursing career path, you should look elsewhere. Hawaii residents might consider University of Hawaii's lower costs, while mainland students can find better ROI at their home state universities.
HPU works financially only if you're pursuing nursing and can afford the full cost without significant borrowing. For all other majors, the combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings makes this a poor investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii Pacific University worth the money?
Hawaii Pacific University's $30,557 annual net price leads to median earnings of $59,593 after 10 years, which is below average for the cost. The 41% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying majors at Hawaii Pacific University?
Nursing programs at Hawaii Pacific University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $65,000 annually. Business and computer science majors earn significantly less at $47,000-$50,000, making them weaker financial choices given the school's cost.
How much student debt do Hawaii Pacific University graduates have?
Hawaii Pacific University graduates carry a median debt of $22,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Hawaii Pacific University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $30,557 after aid, Hawaii Pacific University's financial assistance brings costs down from the full sticker price. The aid helps but doesn't fully offset the weak job market outcomes for most programs outside of nursing.