Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Community College vs University of Hawaii at Manoa
Compare average net price ($8,942 at Hawaii Community College; $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa), ROI score (9.75 vs 9.20), ten-year median earnings ($34,891 vs $57,624), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Hawaii Community College; 86.6% at University of Hawaii at Manoa) using federal College Scorecard data. Hawaii Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Hawaii Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Hawaii Community College | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.75 ✓ | 9.20 |
| Avg net price | $8,942 ✓ | $15,664 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $34,891 | $57,624 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 86.6% |
| Graduation rate | 32.7% | 64.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,546 | 15,029 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1102 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Hawaii at Manoa costs $6,722 more per year than Hawaii Community College ($15,664 vs $8,942). University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates report $22,733 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,624 vs $34,891). On EduGradify's model that puts Hawaii Community College ahead on projected ROI (9.75 vs 9.20, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Hawaii Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Hawaii at Manoa reports 86.6% acceptance; Hawaii Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Community College vs University of Hawaii at Manoa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Community College or University of Hawaii at Manoa the better value?
Hawaii Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.75 vs 9.20), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Hawaii Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,942 per year vs $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa. The annual difference of $6,722 adds up to about $26,888 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Hawaii at Manoa reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,624 vs $34,891 at Hawaii Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,733.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Hawaii Community College reports a B value grade; University of Hawaii at Manoa reports B.