Hi everyone! I'm thinking about studying in Hawaii and am curious about the overall costs associated with attending a university there. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure for tuition, housing, and other expenses? Any insights on in-state vs. out-of-state costs would be helpful too. Thanks!
Hi! Studying in Hawaii can be an amazing experience, but you're wise to consider the costs before making a decision. The expenses will vary depending on the university you're considering, but I can give you an idea of the costs of attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system.
Tuition: For the 2024-2025 academic year, in-state tuition is around $12,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is about $34,000 per year.
If you're from a state that participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), you'll pay 150% of in-state tuition, or about $17,000 per year. Participating states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
Housing: On-campus housing costs usually range from $5,000 to $8,500 per academic year, depending on the residence hall and room type you select. Keep in mind, off-campus housing in Honolulu can be quite expensive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being over $1,500 per month.
Other Expenses: You'll need to factor in other costs such as textbooks and supplies (estimated at $1,000 per year), transportation (around $1,000 - $2,000 per year if you're not planning to bring a car - note that flights to and from Hawaii can be very expensive, depending on what part of the country you're coming from), and personal expenses (around $2,500 per year). Meal plans are also an additional cost, which typically ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 per year.
As an out-of-state student, you can expect the total cost of attendance at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to be around $50,000 - $56,000 per year, whereas in-state students can expect expenses to be around $28,000 - $33,000 per year. If you're from a WUE state, you'll pay around $33,000 - $39,000.
These figures are specific to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, so make sure to check the websites of other universities in Hawaii to compare costs. Additionally, it's a good idea to use each university's net price calculator to get a more accurate estimate of the financial aid you may be eligible for, which can help offset some of the costs. And you can always reach out to a specific school's financial aid office directly with any questions you have about cost of attendance or your eligibility for aid or merit scholarships.
Good luck!
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