Head-to-head · 2026
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs University of Hawaii at Manoa
Compare average net price ($11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo; $15,664 at University of Hawaii at Manoa), ROI score (10.09 vs 9.20), ten-year median earnings ($47,856 vs $57,624), and admissions selectivity (60.6% acceptance at University of Hawaii at Hilo; 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 Hilo 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 | 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 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 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.