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University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Kapolei, HI·Public·2,510 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,510 students.

96%
Accept
2,510
Students
$10,666
Net Price
47%
Grad Rate
$41,100
Earnings
10 yr
$11,848
Debt

About This School

University of Hawaii-West Oahu is a public institution located in Kapolei, Hawaii with approximately 2,510 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Hawaii-West Oahu has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $10,666 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, and the typical graduate earns $41,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $10,666/year average net cost and only $11,848 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a bachelor's degree in Hawaii, making it a genuinely solid option for cost-conscious students who want to stay on Oahu. That said, the 47% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish — and median earnings of $41,100 a decade out suggest limited career momentum for many graduates. Worth considering if you have a clear plan, strong self-discipline, and need to stay local, but go in with eyes open about the completion challenge.

Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing35%
Social Sciences17%
Education7%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite973
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile600

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,584
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,544
Avg Net Price
$10,666
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$11,848

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
47%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,848
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,848
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

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

White8%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian35%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,510 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Hawaii-West Oahu

91-1001 Farrington Highway

Kapolei, HI 96707-4507

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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