University of Hawaii Maui College
University of Hawaii Maui College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Hawaii Maui College at a Glance
The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College (UHMC) is a public college in Kahului, Hawaiʻi, United States. Located on the island of Maui, it is one of ten branches of the University of Hawaiʻi system and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
1931
95 years old
$342M
$341.7 million (system-wide) (2020)
3,318
78 acres
Identity
Is University of Hawaii Maui College Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, University of Hawaii Maui College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,453 — 36% below average — while paying $8,061/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 28% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Hawaii Maui College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Hawaii Maui College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #53 of 80 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #53 | University of Hawaii Maui College | 29 | $8,061 | $34,453 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Hawaii Maui College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Hawaii Maui College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for University of Hawaii Maui College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,061/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
Similar Colleges in HI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Kahului, HI
- Student Body
- 1,700 students
- Graduation Rate
- 28%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,061
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,453
- Median Student Debt
- $13,040