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Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu, HI·Private nonprofit·2,502 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. freshman retention is below 65%. solid earnings of $56,400 within 10 years.

84%
Accept
2,502
Students
$30,557
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$56,400
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

Hawaii Pacific University is a private nonprofit institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii with approximately 2,502 undergraduate students enrolled. Hawaii Pacific University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 84%. The average net price after financial aid is $30,557 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $56,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) is a private university in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, United States. Oceanic Institute of HPU, an aquaculture research facility, is located at Makapuʻu Point. HPU is also present on military installations on the island of Oʻahu.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 41% graduation rate and 57% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a real red flag worth taking seriously before committing. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a low $12,000, and the Honolulu location with ties to military installations and marine research offers genuinely unique opportunities you won't find at most small private universities. Worth considering if you're drawn to the Pacific region, have a clear academic plan, and have honestly assessed what support you'll need to be among the students who actually cross the finish line.

Founded
1965
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions28%
Business & Marketing19%
Biological Sciences11%
Psychology9%
Communications3%
Computer Science3%
Education2%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Sarah PalinTulsi GabbardChristopher LoeakAkebono TarōVivian WuEun Ji-won

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1180
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,020
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,020
Avg Net Price
$30,557
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
57%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.7x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White29%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino23%
Asian16%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,502 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Hawaii Pacific University

1 Aloha Tower Drive

Honolulu, HI 96813

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Hawaii

Browse all Hawaii schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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