Students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo benefit from exceptionally affordable net prices that rank among the lowest nationally, particularly for low-income families.
The university combines strong financial accessibility with successful debt management, as evidenced by its 0% default rate and reasonable borrowing levels.
Azimuth ranks the University of Hawaii at Hilo 248th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 39th percentile for overall value. As a medium-sized public university serving Hawaii's Big Island, UH Hilo provides broad access to higher education with nearly 40% of students receiving Pell Grants and 37% being first-generation college students. The institution offers particularly strong affordability, with net prices well below national averages across all income levels.
While UH Hilo's graduates earn a median of $47,856 ten years after enrollment—somewhat below typical public university outcomes—the university excels in specific high-value programs like nursing, where graduates earn over $72,000 annually. The institution serves as an important access point for underrepresented students in Hawaii, though overall earnings outcomes lag behind mainland peers.
As Hawaii's regional comprehensive university, UH Hilo combines island accessibility with mainland-quality programs in select fields. For students committed to staying in Hawaii or pursuing careers in nursing, education, and local industries, the university provides affordable preparation with strong community connections, though students seeking maximum earnings potential may find better options elsewhere.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional comprehensive university serving Hawaii's workforce needs. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the institution's economic engine, combining substantial enrollment of 65 graduates with strong median earnings of $72,357, making it both the highest aggregate return and most financially successful program. This reflects Hawaii's ongoing demand for healthcare professionals and the nursing profession's strong earning potential.
Psychology represents the university's largest program with 53 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $24,532, typical for this field nationally. Biology graduates earn around $35,060, positioning them for further education or entry-level positions in healthcare, research, or environmental fields that are particularly relevant to Hawaii's unique ecosystem and research opportunities.
The program mix demonstrates UH Hilo's focus on serving local and regional needs rather than maximizing earnings potential. While the overall portfolio may not compete with mainland institutions on pure financial returns, programs like nursing show that targeted professional preparation can deliver strong outcomes. Students should consider how their chosen field aligns with Hawaii's specific economic opportunities and whether the lifestyle and cultural benefits of island education complement their career goals.
Graduates of the University of Hawaii at Hilo earn a median of $47,856 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 39th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. While this falls below typical public university outcomes, the earnings picture varies significantly by field of study and reflects Hawaii's unique economic landscape and cost structure.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's nursing program, which represents UH Hilo's highest aggregate return major. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $72,357 ten years out, combining strong enrollment with excellent pay to create substantial economic value for the institution. Psychology is the largest major with 53 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $24,532, while Biology graduates earn around $35,060 in early career positions.
The university's program mix reflects its role as a regional comprehensive institution serving Hawaii's specific workforce needs. While overall earnings lag behind mainland institutions, graduates often benefit from Hawaii's unique job market dynamics, lower competition in certain fields, and the lifestyle advantages of island living that may offset purely financial considerations.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo delivers strong affordability across all income levels, ranking in the 73rd percentile nationally for cost-effectiveness. Low-income students pay just $9,081 annually in net price, well below the national average, while middle-income families face costs of $12,607 per year. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $19,851, making UH Hilo accessible to a broad range of economic backgrounds.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with $20,500 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,944, reflecting moderate family contributions to educational costs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite the somewhat lower earnings outcomes.
What makes UH Hilo particularly sustainable is its combination of low upfront costs and reasonable debt levels. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings compared to mainland institutions, the affordable cost structure means that debt-to-income ratios remain workable for most borrowers, especially given Hawaii's unique economic context and the non-monetary benefits of island living.
University Of Hawaii At Hilo Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
