Head-to-head · 2026
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Compare average net price ($11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo; $10,327 at University of Hawaii-West Oahu), ROI score (10.09 vs 12.61), ten-year median earnings ($47,856 vs $52,075), and admissions selectivity (60.6% acceptance at University of Hawaii at Hilo; 95.3% at University of Hawaii-West Oahu) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Hawaii-West Oahu has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of Hawaii-West Oahu has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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-West Oahu |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.09 | 12.61 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,856 | $10,327 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,856 | $52,075 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% ✓ | 95.3% |
| Graduation rate | 48.4% | 49.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $14,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,160 | 2,519 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1028 ✓ | 985 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Hawaii at Hilo costs $1,529 more per year than University of Hawaii-West Oahu ($11,856 vs $10,327). University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduates report $4,219 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,075 vs $47,856). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Hawaii-West Oahu ahead on projected ROI (12.61 vs 10.09, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Hawaii-West Oahu) 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 95.3% (accessible) at University of Hawaii-West Oahu.
Frequently asked
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs University of Hawaii-West Oahu, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Hawaii at Hilo or University of Hawaii-West Oahu the better value?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.61 vs 10.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu is cheaper — average net price $10,327 per year vs $11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo. The annual difference of $1,529 adds up to about $6,116 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,075 vs $47,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,219.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Hawaii at Hilo is more selective at 60.6% acceptance vs 95.3% at University of Hawaii-West Oahu.
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-West Oahu reports A.