Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Olympia, WA & Hilo, HI
When students choose between University of Hawaii at Hilo and The Evergreen State College, they're comparing two distinctive public universities that take fundamentally different approaches to education. Both offer broad access and medium-sized environments, but the financial picture reveals a stark difference.
Hawaii-Hilo costs roughly half of what Evergreen charges — and produces graduates who typically earn more. The question becomes: what drives Evergreen's premium pricing, and does it deliver corresponding value?
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$20,500
federal loans
$20,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$24,950
borrowed by parents
$20,688
borrowed by parents
Hawaii-Hilo is predominantly health-focused, with strong concentrations in nursing, pharmacy, and health sciences. The largest programs include Registered Nursing (65 graduates), Pharmacy (63), Psychology (53), and Business Administration (49).
Evergreen takes a liberal arts approach, with 628 graduates earning degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences and 161 in Biological and Physical Sciences. This fundamental difference in academic philosophy shapes career trajectories — Hawaii-Hilo prepares students for specific professional fields, while Evergreen emphasizes interdisciplinary exploration and self-directed learning.
For students prioritizing financial value and career-focused preparation, Hawaii-Hilo delivers superior outcomes at significantly lower cost. The combination of $10,522/year savings and $2,536 higher median earnings creates a compelling financial advantage.
Evergreen offers a unique liberal arts experience with interdisciplinary learning and student-directed curricula — making it the better choice for students who thrive in unstructured environments and can manage the higher cost. The data strongly favors Hawaii-Hilo for value-conscious families, but the right choice depends on your learning style, career goals, and ability to handle different debt burdens.
If cost is a primary concern and you're interested in health sciences or professional programs, Hawaii-Hilo provides the clearer path to financial success.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
