At $12,063/yr net price, University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates earn $47,856/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,856/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,063 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,856/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,856/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,081/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,707/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,607/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,862/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,851/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,250 | $218,140 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,357 | $18,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,856 | $26,760 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $42,682 | $36,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $22,000 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,314 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $17,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.6% of students at University of Hawaii at Hilo 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
University of Hawaii at Hilo delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The pharmacy program stands out as financially powerful despite the massive debt load, while nursing offers solid earnings with manageable borrowing.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial case here. Pharmacy graduates earn $115,250 annually but carry $218,140 in debt, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario that works if you complete the demanding program. Nursing provides a much safer bet with $72,357 earnings and only $18,000 in debt. Computer science graduates earn $57,318 with reasonable debt levels. Education majors face tougher math at $50,856 with $26,760 in debt, though Hawaii's teacher shortage may create opportunities.
The school's 41.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly six out of ten students leave without degrees but often with debt. The 69.8% retention rate signals early struggles that compound this risk.
UH Hilo works financially if you target high-earning programs and have strong academic preparation to avoid the dropout trap. The low net price of $12,063 helps, but only if you actually graduate. Hawaii residents get the best deal through in-state tuition, while mainland students should carefully weigh the island premium against career prospects.
This school suits Hawaii residents seeking nursing or pharmacy careers, students committed to education with local job connections, or those drawn to unique programs like marine science who understand the earnings tradeoffs. Avoid UH Hilo if you need extensive academic support, plan to major in low-earning fields, or want traditional college experiences that boost completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Hawaii at Hilo worth the cost?
University of Hawaii at Hilo offers reasonable value with a low net price of $12,063 annually and modest debt loads around $20,500. However, the 41.6% graduation rate and $47,856 median earnings create significant risk that many students won't complete their degree or see strong returns.
What are the best paying majors at University of Hawaii at Hilo?
Pharmacy graduates from University of Hawaii at Hilo earn a median of $115,250, making it the clear winner for ROI. Nursing ($72,357) and computer science ($57,318) also provide solid returns, while education and natural resources programs pay significantly less.
How much debt do University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates typically have?
University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The bigger concern is the low 41.6% graduation rate, meaning many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does University of Hawaii at Hilo have good job outcomes?
University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates earn a median of $47,856 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates nationally. The pharmacy and nursing programs produce much stronger outcomes, but other majors struggle with lower earning potential.