Students from low-income backgrounds at Hawaii Pacific University achieve exceptionally strong earnings outcomes, ranking in the top 25% nationally for economic mobility.
Graduates across programs see solid long-term financial returns that reflect the university's focus on career-oriented education and professional preparation.
Hawaii Pacific University is a mid-sized private nonprofit institution in Honolulu that delivers solid long-term earnings outcomes for its graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $59,593, HPU places in the 62nd percentile nationally for graduate earnings, reflecting strong performance in key professional programs like nursing and business administration.
The university serves a selective student body, with about 20% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 36% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, HPU demonstrates strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited compared to larger public universities. The university's location in Hawaii provides unique opportunities for students interested in Pacific Rim business, marine science, and healthcare careers.
What distinguishes HPU is its focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into employment. Nursing graduates consistently achieve strong earnings outcomes, while business and computer science programs prepare students for professional roles in Hawaii's growing economy and beyond. For families who can manage the higher costs associated with private education in Hawaii, HPU offers a pathway to solid career outcomes in a distinctive setting.
Hawaii Pacific University's program portfolio centers on career-focused fields that connect directly to employment opportunities. Nursing represents the university's strongest combination of scale and outcomes, graduating 119 students annually with median earnings of $64,990 ten years out. This program serves as HPU's economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with some of the highest earnings outcomes the university produces.
Business Administration enrolls the largest number of students at 140 graduates annually, with median earnings of $40,017 reflecting the broad range of career paths this degree supports. Computer Science, while smaller at 30 graduates, produces solid earnings of $47,260 and represents HPU's investment in technology fields that serve both Hawaii's growing tech sector and mainland opportunities.
The university's focused approach means students choose from a concentrated set of programs rather than the broad array typical at larger institutions. This specialization allows HPU to develop deep expertise and employer relationships in key areas, particularly healthcare and business, which helps explain the strong career outcomes graduates achieve in these competitive fields.
Hawaii Pacific University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $59,593 ten years after enrollment. This performance places HPU in the 62nd percentile nationally, reflecting the university's strength in career-focused programs that lead directly to employment. The university's relatively small size allows for concentrated expertise in high-return fields, particularly healthcare and business.
Nursing stands out as HPU's strongest program for both scale and earnings, with 119 graduates earning a median of $64,990 ten years out. This represents the university's highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment with strong pay outcomes. Business Administration, the largest program with 140 graduates, produces median earnings of $40,017, while Computer Science graduates earn around $47,260. These programs reflect HPU's focus on practical, professionally-oriented education that connects directly to Hawaii's economy and broader Pacific markets.
The university's location in Honolulu provides graduates access to unique career opportunities in tourism, healthcare, international business, and government sectors. Hawaii's cost of living is notably higher than the national average, which means graduates need strong earning power to maintain purchasing power locally, though many HPU alumni also pursue careers on the mainland where their credentials remain competitive.
Hawaii Pacific University carries higher costs typical of private universities, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income families pay approximately $26,082 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $28,932, and higher-income families pay about $34,920. These prices place HPU in the 9th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning it costs more than most comparable institutions.
The university's private status and Hawaii location contribute to these higher costs, though the institution does provide financial aid to help offset expenses. Students typically graduate with about $22,000 in federal loan debt, a manageable level relative to the earnings outcomes most programs deliver. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $24,635, reflecting the additional family investment often needed to cover the full cost of attendance. For families considering HPU, the key question is whether the unique educational experience and career outcomes justify the premium over mainland alternatives or public institutions.
Hawaii Pacific University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
