Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Chaminade University of Honolulu at a Glance
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Marianist university in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Founded in 1955 by the Society of Mary, Chaminade is located in Kaimuki, Honolulu at the base of St. Louis Heights. Chaminade offers bachelor's degrees in 23 fields of study and 5 master's degree programs. Chaminade University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
1955
71 years old
$50M
$49.85 million (2025)
2,369
1,583 undergrad · 786 grad
Identity
Is Chaminade University of Honolulu Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Chaminade University of Honolulu is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,343 — 3% below average — while paying $28,856/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 91% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Chaminade University of Honolulu has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Chaminade University of Honolulu compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #97 of 144 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #97 | Chaminade University of Honolulu | 26 | $28,856 | $52,343 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Chaminade University of Honolulu's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in HI.
Best Programs at Chaminade University of Honolulu
The highest-earning program at Chaminade University of Honolulu is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $51,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $26,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Chaminade University of Honolulu earns $51,800, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $26,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $31,250 in median debt vs. $24,125 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,856/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $51,800 | $51,800 | $31,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,500 | $42,500 | $23,517 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,800 | $40,800 | $21,437 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,500 | $34,500 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,700 | $26,700 | $24,125 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Honolulu, HI
- Student Body
- 1,672 students
- Admission Rate
- 91%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,856
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,343
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250