At $9,421/yr net price, University of Hawaii Maui College graduates earn $34,453/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $453/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,421 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,453/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$453/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 83.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,040 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,584/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,369/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,251/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,102/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. | Associate | $61,020 | $12,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $39,153 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,799 | $10,947 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $26,715 |
The Risk Factor
27.3% of students at University of Hawaii Maui 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
University of Hawaii Maui College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $34,453 ten years after graduation barely justifying even the low $9,421 annual net price. The 27% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree, making this a high-risk investment for your education dollars.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $61,020 annually while carrying just $12,000 in debt. This program offers strong ROI and connects directly to Hawaii's healthcare job market. Culinary arts graduates earn $39,153, which makes sense given Maui's tourism-dependent economy, though this still represents modest returns.
Liberal arts and accounting graduates earn around $27,000 annually, creating a concerning gap between education costs and career prospects. The low 50% retention rate signals that many students struggle to complete programs, leaving them with debt but no degree.
You should consider this school only if you plan to pursue nursing or have strong ties to Maui's job market. The limited program offerings and weak overall outcomes make it a poor choice for students seeking broad career flexibility or higher earning potential. Your low aid rate of 22% means most students pay close to full price, making the value proposition even weaker.
Look elsewhere if you want reliable financial returns from your college investment. The combination of low graduation rates, modest earnings, and limited program strength creates substantial financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Hawaii Maui College worth the cost?
With 10-year median earnings of $34,453 and a net price of $9,421 annually, University of Hawaii Maui College offers reasonable value for students who graduate. However, the 27% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces ROI for the majority who enroll.
What are the best paying programs at University of Hawaii Maui College?
Nursing programs at University of Hawaii Maui College lead to median earnings of $61,020, making them the clear financial winners. Culinary arts graduates earn around $39,153, while business and liberal arts programs typically result in lower salaries in the $26,000-$32,000 range.
How much debt do University of Hawaii Maui College graduates have?
University of Hawaii Maui College graduates who borrowed money have a median debt of $13,040, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year institutions. The low annual net price of $9,421 helps keep borrowing down for most students.
Does University of Hawaii Maui College have good job placement rates?
University of Hawaii Maui College's 27% graduation rate indicates serious completion challenges that hurt overall employment outcomes. Students who do graduate and enter nursing or culinary fields typically find work, but the majority who don't finish see no return on their investment.