Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Pacific University vs Honolulu Community College
Compare average net price ($29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University; $7,458 at Honolulu Community College), ROI score (5.02 vs 15.12), ten-year median earnings ($59,593 vs $45,105), and admissions context (85.9% at Hawaii Pacific University; Open / not reported at Honolulu Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Honolulu Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Honolulu 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 Pacific University | Honolulu Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 5.02 | 15.12 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,657 | $7,458 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,593 ✓ | $45,105 |
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 34.9% ✓ | 24.8% |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $7,534 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,392 | 1,897 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1111 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Hawaii Pacific University costs $22,199 more per year than Honolulu Community College ($29,657 vs $7,458). Hawaii Pacific University graduates report $14,488 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,593 vs $45,105). On EduGradify's model that puts Honolulu Community College ahead on projected ROI (15.12 vs 5.02, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Honolulu Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Hawaii Pacific University reports 85.9% acceptance; Honolulu Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Pacific University vs Honolulu Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Pacific University or Honolulu Community College the better value?
Honolulu Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.12 vs 5.02), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Honolulu Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,458 per year vs $29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University. The annual difference of $22,199 adds up to about $88,796 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Hawaii Pacific University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,593 vs $45,105 at Honolulu Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,488.
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 Pacific University reports a D value grade; Honolulu Community College reports A.