Head-to-head · 2026
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs University of Hawaii at Manoa
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for University of Hawaii at Hilo, 4 for University of Hawaii at Manoa — University of Hawaii at Manoa 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 | University of Hawaii at Hilo | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.09 ✓ | 9.20 |
| Avg net price | $11,856 ✓ | $15,664 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,856 | $57,624 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% ✓ | 86.6% |
| Graduation rate | 48.4% | 64.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,160 | 15,029 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1028 | 1102 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Hawaii at Manoa costs $3,808 more per year than University of Hawaii at Hilo ($15,664 vs $11,856). University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates report $9,768 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,624 vs $47,856). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Hawaii at Hilo ahead on projected ROI (10.09 vs 9.20, 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, University of Hawaii at Hilo is accessible at 60.6% acceptance versus 86.6% (accessible) at University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Frequently asked
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs University of Hawaii at Manoa, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Hawaii at Hilo or University of Hawaii at Manoa the better value?
University of Hawaii at Hilo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.09 vs 9.20), 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 $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa. The annual difference of $3,808 adds up to about $15,232 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Hawaii at Manoa reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,624 vs $47,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,768.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Hawaii at Hilo is more selective at 60.6% 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. University of Hawaii at Hilo reports a B value grade; University of Hawaii at Manoa reports B.

