At $10,666/yr net price, University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduates earn $52,075/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,075/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,666 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,075/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,075/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,030/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,161/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,881/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,331/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,928/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $12,981 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $45,636 | $20,000 |
| Homeland Security. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,980 | $15,000 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $35,995 | $13,687 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $15,164 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $15,610 |
The Risk Factor
46.8% of students at University of Hawaii-West Oahu 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-West Oahu delivers weak financial returns that fail to justify even its relatively low cost. With median earnings of $52,075 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate below 47%, you face significant odds of never completing your degree or earning enough to make college worthwhile.
The school's program lineup compounds these problems. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies leads earnings at just $48,667, while Business Administration graduates earn only $37,980 despite carrying $15,000 in debt. Education majors face the worst combination with $45,636 earnings and $20,000 in debt. Public Administration graduates earn just $35,995, barely above what many high school graduates make in Hawaii's economy.
Your biggest financial risk is the low graduation rate. Nearly half of students never finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 69% retention rate signals early struggles that often predict dropout. Hawaii's isolated job market limits your ability to relocate for better opportunities after graduation.
You should consider UH-West Oahu only if you need a local degree for Hawaii government work or teaching positions that require any bachelor's degree regardless of field. The school works for older students already established in careers who need credentials for advancement rather than income growth.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 30% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships are scarce at this regional campus. Your best cost strategy is completing general education requirements at a community college first, then transferring for your final two years to minimize total debt exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Hawaii-West Oahu worth the cost?
UH-West Oahu offers reasonable value with a low net price of $10,666 and median debt of just $14,500. However, the 47% graduation rate and $52,075 median earnings after 10 years suggest mixed returns on investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of Hawaii-West Oahu?
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies leads with $48,667 median earnings, followed by Education at $45,636. Business and Public Administration programs show lower returns at around $36,000-$38,000.
How much debt do University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $14,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The low debt burden helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at University of Hawaii-West Oahu?
Only 47% of students graduate from UH-West Oahu, which is below the national average. This low completion rate represents a significant risk for students considering enrollment.