Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Pacific University vs Windward Community College
Compare average net price ($29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University; $8,169 at Windward Community College), ROI score (5.02 vs 11.76), ten-year median earnings ($59,593 vs $38,439), and admissions context (85.9% at Hawaii Pacific University; Open / not reported at Windward Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Windward Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Windward 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 | Windward Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 5.02 | 11.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,657 | $8,169 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,593 ✓ | $38,439 |
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 34.9% ✓ | 31.4% |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $9,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,392 | 1,159 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1111 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Hawaii Pacific University costs $21,488 more per year than Windward Community College ($29,657 vs $8,169). Hawaii Pacific University graduates report $21,154 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,593 vs $38,439). On EduGradify's model that puts Windward Community College ahead on projected ROI (11.76 vs 5.02, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Windward 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; Windward Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Pacific University vs Windward Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Pacific University or Windward Community College the better value?
Windward Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.76 vs 5.02), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Windward Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,169 per year vs $29,657 at Hawaii Pacific University. The annual difference of $21,488 adds up to about $85,952 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Hawaii Pacific University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,593 vs $38,439 at Windward Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $21,154.
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; Windward Community College reports A.