Head-to-head · 2026
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs Windward Community College
Compare average net price ($11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo; $8,169 at Windward Community College), ROI score (10.09 vs 11.76), ten-year median earnings ($47,856 vs $38,439), and admissions context (60.6% at University of Hawaii at Hilo; Open / not reported at Windward Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Windward Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Windward 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 | University of Hawaii at Hilo | Windward Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.09 | 11.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,856 | $8,169 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,856 ✓ | $38,439 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 48.4% ✓ | 31.4% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $9,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,160 | 1,159 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1028 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Hawaii at Hilo costs $3,687 more per year than Windward Community College ($11,856 vs $8,169). University of Hawaii at Hilo graduates report $9,417 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,856 vs $38,439). On EduGradify's model that puts Windward Community College ahead on projected ROI (11.76 vs 10.09, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Windward 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; Windward Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
University of Hawaii at Hilo vs Windward Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Hawaii at Hilo or Windward Community College the better value?
Windward Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.76 vs 10.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Windward Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,169 per year vs $11,856 at University of Hawaii at Hilo. The annual difference of $3,687 adds up to about $14,748 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Hawaii at Hilo reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,856 vs $38,439 at Windward Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,417.
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; Windward Community College reports A.