At $13,181/yr net price, University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates earn $57,624/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,624/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,181 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,624/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,624/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,397/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,971/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,795/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,462/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. | Master | $100,404 | $99,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $94,408 | $123,979 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,719 | $49,652 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $18,895 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,710 | $12,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,101 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,557 | $24,629 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $65,486 | $29,690 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 | $20,165 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $62,012 | $98,536 |
The Risk Factor
62.6% of students at University of Hawaii at Manoa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Hawaii at Manoa delivers solid financial returns despite modest overall earnings, with nursing and business programs offering particularly strong value. The low net price of $13,181 makes even average-paying careers financially viable, while the manageable median debt of $18,500 reduces long-term financial stress.
Nursing dominates the highest-earning programs, with graduates earning between $70,710 and $100,404 annually. Computer engineering also pays well at $74,576 with strongly low debt of $18,895. Business administration graduates earn $78,719, making it another smart financial choice. These programs justify your investment through strong regional demand in Hawaii's healthcare and tourism-driven economy.
The 62.6% graduation rate creates real risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your degree. The 75% retention rate suggests academic challenges that could extend your time to graduation and increase total costs. Hawaii's isolated location also limits job mobility if you need to leave the islands for career advancement.
You're a good financial fit here if you plan to stay in Hawaii long-term and pursue nursing, business, or engineering. The low costs make UH Manoa accessible even without significant financial aid. However, look elsewhere if you need broader job market access or want programs beyond the school's strength areas. The limited merit aid opportunities mean you'll primarily rely on need-based assistance and the inherently affordable tuition structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Hawaii at Manoa worth the cost?
UH Manoa offers decent value with a low net price of $13,181 and moderate debt levels at $18,500. However, the 10-year earnings of $57,624 are below national averages, and the 63% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $70,000-$100,000+ annually, followed by business administration at $78,719 and computer engineering at $74,576. Most other programs result in significantly lower earnings that may not justify the time investment.
How much debt do University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates have?
The median debt is $18,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. Given the relatively low earnings for most majors, this debt level is reasonable but still requires careful consideration of your chosen field.
Does University of Hawaii at Manoa have good financial aid?
The net price of $13,181 suggests decent financial aid for many students. However, with below-average post-graduation earnings, even this lower cost may not provide strong ROI unless you're in nursing, business, or engineering.