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Head-to-head comparison

University of Hawaii at Manoa vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: which has better ROI?

Public, Honolulu HI · vs · Private nonprofit, Honolulu HI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Honolulu, HI

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Net price / year
$15,664
Earnings, 10 years
$57,624
Payback
6.8 yrs

Option B Honolulu, HI

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Net price / year
$28,856
Earnings, 10 years
$52,343
Payback
29 yrs
The verdict

University of Hawaii at Manoa has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,656 in 6.8 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $57,624 vs $52,343 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaChaminade University of Honolulu
Net price / yr$15,664$28,856
Total net cost$62,656$115,424
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,624$52,343
Median debt$18,500$23,250
Payback6.8 yrs29 yrs
20-year net return$122,624-$35,764

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Hawaii at Manoa or Chaminade University of Honolulu?

University of Hawaii at Manoa, at $15,664 a year after aid versus $28,856 — a gap of $13,192 a year, or $52,768 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Hawaii at Manoa or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?

University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates report a median $57,624 ten years after entry, $5,281 more than the $52,343 at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Hawaii at Manoa or Chaminade University of Honolulu?

University of Hawaii at Manoa: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Chaminade University of Honolulu, a difference of $4,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at University of Hawaii at Manoa, against 55% at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Hawaii at Manoa vs Chaminade University of Honolulu: frequently asked questions

Is University of Hawaii at Manoa or Chaminade University of Honolulu a better value?
University of Hawaii at Manoa. It clears its $62,656 net cost in about 6.8 years versus 29 years at Chaminade University of Honolulu, on median earnings of $57,624 vs $52,343 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Hawaii at Manoa or Chaminade University of Honolulu?
University of Hawaii at Manoa: $15,664/yr net price after aid versus $28,856/yr at Chaminade University of Honolulu — a difference of $13,192 a year, or about $52,768 over four years.
Do University of Hawaii at Manoa or Chaminade University of Honolulu graduates earn more?
University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates earn a median $57,624 ten years after entry, versus $52,343 at Chaminade University of Honolulu — a $5,281 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.