Head-to-head · 2026
Kapiolani Community College vs University of Hawaii at Manoa
Compare average net price ($5,202 at Kapiolani Community College; $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa), ROI score (21.43 vs 9.20), ten-year median earnings ($44,599 vs $57,624), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Kapiolani Community College; 86.6% at University of Hawaii at Manoa) 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 | Kapiolani Community College | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 21.43 ✓ | 9.20 |
| Avg net price | $5,202 ✓ | $15,664 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,599 | $57,624 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 86.6% |
| Graduation rate | 22.2% | 64.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,229 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 3,910 | 15,029 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1102 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Hawaii at Manoa costs $10,462 more per year than Kapiolani Community College ($15,664 vs $5,202). University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates report $13,025 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,624 vs $44,599). On EduGradify's model that puts Kapiolani Community College ahead on projected ROI (21.43 vs 9.20, 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, University of Hawaii at Manoa reports 86.6% acceptance; Kapiolani Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Kapiolani Community College vs University of Hawaii at Manoa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Kapiolani Community College or University of Hawaii at Manoa the better value?
Kapiolani Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (21.43 vs 9.20), 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 $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa. The annual difference of $10,462 adds up to about $41,848 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Hawaii at Manoa reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,624 vs $44,599 at Kapiolani Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,025.
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. Kapiolani Community College reports a A+ value grade; University of Hawaii at Manoa reports B.