Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hawaii Pacific University is moderately selective with a 84.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Hawaii at Hilo (89.8%). Graduates of Hawaii Pacific University earn $11,737 more per year at the 10-year mark ($59,593 vs $47,856). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Hawaii at Hilo is more affordable at $11,535 net price vs $28,979. Students at University of Hawaii at Hilo graduate with less debt ($20,500 vs $22,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Hawaii at Hilo has a higher yield rate (16.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Hawaii Pacific University has a higher median SAT (1155 vs 1035).
Honolulu, HI
Hilo, HI
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Hawaii at Hilo is more affordable at $8,983 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $33,540 vs $17,403.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Hawaii at Hilo enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Hawaii Pacific University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$64,990
- 2 Computer Science$47,260
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$45,696
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$40,017
- 5 Psychology, General$30,988
University of Hawaii at Hilo
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$72,357
- 2 Computer Science$57,318
- 3 Biology, General$35,060
- 4 Agriculture, General$32,711
- 5 Accounting and Related Services$31,314
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Hawaii Pacific University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- 5 Criminal Justice and Corrections
University of Hawaii at Hilo
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- 4 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- 5 Communication and Media Studies
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Hawaii Pacific University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$28,800
- Est. total cost/year$48,560
- School typePublic
University of Hawaii at Hilo
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$20,304
- Est. total cost/year$29,046
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaii at Hilo?
Hawaii Pacific University is more selective with a 84.5% acceptance rate, compared to 89.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaii at Hilo?
Hawaii Pacific University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $59,593 compared to $47,856. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaii at Hilo?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Hawaii at Hilo has a lower net price at $11,535 per year vs $28,979. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Hawaii Pacific University vs University of Hawaii at Hilo?
University of Hawaii at Hilo has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 45.0%, compared to 37.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Hawaii Pacific University or University of Hawaii at Hilo?
Hawaii Pacific University has a larger international student population at 8% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Hawaii Pacific University and University of Hawaii at Hilo?
At Hawaii Pacific University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $64,990 within two years. At University of Hawaii at Hilo, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $72,357. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.