Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Pacific University vs Kapiolani Community College
Compare average net price ($29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University; $5,202 at Kapiolani Community College), ROI score (5.02 vs 21.43), ten-year median earnings ($59,593 vs $44,599), and admissions context (85.9% at Hawaii Pacific University; Open / not reported at Kapiolani Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Kapiolani Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Kapiolani 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 | Kapiolani Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 5.02 | 21.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,657 | $5,202 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,593 ✓ | $44,599 |
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 34.9% ✓ | 22.2% |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $9,229 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,392 | 3,910 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1111 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Hawaii Pacific University costs $24,455 more per year than Kapiolani Community College ($29,657 vs $5,202). Hawaii Pacific University graduates report $14,994 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,593 vs $44,599). On EduGradify's model that puts Kapiolani Community College ahead on projected ROI (21.43 vs 5.02, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Kapiolani 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; Kapiolani Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Pacific University vs Kapiolani Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Pacific University or Kapiolani Community College the better value?
Kapiolani Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (21.43 vs 5.02), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Kapiolani Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,202 per year vs $29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University. The annual difference of $24,455 adds up to about $97,820 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Hawaii Pacific University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,593 vs $44,599 at Kapiolani Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,994.
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; Kapiolani Community College reports A+.