Head-to-head · 2026
Leeward Community College vs University of Hawaii at Hilo
Compare average net price ($5,137 at Leeward Community College; $11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo), ROI score (19.42 vs 10.09), ten-year median earnings ($39,899 vs $47,856), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Leeward Community College; 60.6% at University of Hawaii at Hilo) using federal College Scorecard data. Leeward Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Leeward 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 | Leeward Community College | University of Hawaii at Hilo |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 19.42 ✓ | 10.09 |
| Avg net price | $5,137 ✓ | $11,856 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,899 | $47,856 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 60.6% |
| Graduation rate | 35.4% | 48.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $8,970 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 3,438 | 2,160 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1028 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Hawaii at Hilo costs $6,719 more per year than Leeward Community College ($11,856 vs $5,137). University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates report $7,957 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,856 vs $39,899). On EduGradify's model that puts Leeward Community College ahead on projected ROI (19.42 vs 10.09, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Leeward Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Hawaii at Hilo reports 60.6% acceptance; Leeward Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Leeward Community College vs University of Hawaii at Hilo, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Leeward Community College or University of Hawaii at Hilo the better value?
Leeward Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.42 vs 10.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Leeward Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,137 per year vs $11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo. The annual difference of $6,719 adds up to about $26,876 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Hawaii at Hilo reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,856 vs $39,899 at Leeward Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,957.
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. Leeward Community College reports a A+ value grade; University of Hawaii at Hilo reports B.