Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaii at Manoa
Compare average net price ($29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University; $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa), ROI score (5.02 vs 9.20), ten-year median earnings ($59,593 vs $57,624), and admissions selectivity (85.9% acceptance at Hawaii Pacific University; 86.6% at University of Hawaii at Manoa) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Hawaii at Manoa has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of Hawaii at Manoa 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 | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 5.02 | 9.20 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,657 | $15,664 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,593 ✓ | $57,624 |
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% ✓ | 86.6% |
| Graduation rate | 34.9% | 64.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $18,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,392 | 15,029 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1111 ✓ | 1102 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Hawaii Pacific University costs $13,993 more per year than University of Hawaii at Manoa ($29,657 vs $15,664). Hawaii Pacific University graduates report $1,969 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,593 vs $57,624). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Hawaii at Manoa ahead on projected ROI (9.20 vs 5.02, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Hawaii at Manoa) 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 86.6% (accessible) at University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaii at Manoa, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaii at Manoa the better value?
University of Hawaii at Manoa has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.20 vs 5.02), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Hawaii at Manoa is cheaper — average net price $15,664 per year vs $29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University. The annual difference of $13,993 adds up to about $55,972 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Hawaii Pacific University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,593 vs $57,624 at University of Hawaii at Manoa. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,969.
Which school is harder to get into?
Hawaii Pacific University is more selective at 85.9% acceptance vs 86.6% at University of Hawaii at Manoa.
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 Manoa reports B.