University of Hawaii-West Oahu
University of Hawaii-West Oahu — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Hawaii-West Oahu at a Glance
The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu is a public college in Kapolei, Hawaii, United States. It is part of the University of Hawaiʻi system. It offers baccalaureate degrees in liberal arts and professional studies. UHWO opened in January 1976. In 1981 it was accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission or its predecessor. In 2007, the school added first- and second-year subjects, becoming a four-year college.
1976
50 years old
$491M
$491.36 million (2023) (system-wide)
2,897
Identity
How to Apply to University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Official admissions page$50
Fee waiver available
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Is University of Hawaii-West Oahu Worth It?
University of Hawaii-West Oahu delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $10,327/year, it's priced 49% below average, while graduates go on to earn $52,075 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 95% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How University of Hawaii-West Oahu compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 112 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #6 | Northwest Florida State College | 88 | $4,571 | $39,664 |
| #16 | University of Hawaii-West Oahu | 61 | $10,327 | $52,075 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Hawaii-West Oahu's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Hawaii-West Oahu
The highest-earning program at University of Hawaii-West Oahu is Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other at $44,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Sciences, General at $27,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduate from University of Hawaii-West Oahu earns $44,900, while a Social Sciences, General graduate earns $27,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduates carry $9,000 in median debt vs. $15,817 for Social Sciences, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,327/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $44,900 | $44,900 | $9,000 |
| Education, General | $44,100 | $44,100 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,900 | $35,900 | $14,375 |
| Public Administration | $34,800 | $34,800 | $17,493 |
| Social Sciences, General | $27,400 | $27,400 | $15,817 |
Similar Colleges in HI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Kapolei, HI
- Student Body
- 2,519 students
- Admission Rate
- 95%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,327
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,075
- Median Student Debt
- $14,500