For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Hawaii is $7,723 for Hawaii residents and $20,995 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Hawaii, the average tuition & fees are $20,335 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Hawaii is $14,366 for Hawaii residents and $30,806 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Hawaii, the average graduate tuition is $20,799.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $17,270 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $24,214. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all Hawaii colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Hawaii is $26,751 for residents and $40,023 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $40,357. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $20,762 for Hawaii residents and $25,898 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Hawaii Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $26,751 | $40,023 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $40,357 | |
| Community Colleges | $20,762 | $25,898 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Hawaii, 22 out of 23 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 10 public and 12 private colleges in Hawaii. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Hawaii is $7,723 for Hawaii residents and $20,995 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $20,335
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $3,220 for residents and $8,356 for out-of-state students.
| Hawaii Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $7,723 | $20,995 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $20,335 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $3,220 | $8,356 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $33,700 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Hawaii, 7 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Hawaii is $13,668 for Hawaii residents and $30,108 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $20,477
| Hawaii Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $13,668 | $30,108 |
| Private Schools | $20,477 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Hawaii is $304 for Hawaii residents and $857 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $814
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $570 for Hawaii residents and $1,255 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $977
| Hawaii Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $304 | $857 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $814 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $131 | $345 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $570 | $1,255 |
| Private Schools | $977 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Hawaii
At colleges in Hawaii, the average living cost is $17,270 when a student lives on campus facility and $24,214 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $17,174 | $27,868 |
| Private Schools | $17,328 | $18,124 |
