Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaii at Hilo
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Hawaii Pacific University, 5 for University of Hawaii at Hilo — University of Hawaii at Hilo has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Hawaii Pacific University | University of Hawaii at Hilo |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 5.02 | 10.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,657 | $11,856 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,593 ✓ | $47,856 |
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% | 60.6% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 34.9% | 48.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,392 | 2,160 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1111 ✓ | 1028 |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Hawaii Pacific University costs $17,801 more per year than University of Hawaii at Hilo ($29,657 vs $11,856). Hawaii Pacific University graduates report $11,737 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,593 vs $47,856). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Hawaii at Hilo ahead on projected ROI (10.09 vs 5.02, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Hawaii at Hilo) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Hawaii Pacific University is accessible at 85.9% acceptance versus 60.6% (accessible) at University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaii at Hilo, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaii at Hilo the better value?
University of Hawaii at Hilo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.09 vs 5.02), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Hawaii at Hilo is cheaper — average net price $11,856 per year vs $29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University. The annual difference of $17,801 adds up to about $71,204 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Hawaii Pacific University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,593 vs $47,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,737.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Hawaii at Hilo is more selective at 60.6% acceptance vs 85.9% at Hawaii Pacific University.
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; University of Hawaii at Hilo reports B.