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Hawaii flag2025-26Rank #26

Hawaii College Cost 2025-26

$11,460 in-state, $32,780 out-of-state. Community college: $4,017.

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26

$11,460
In-state
$45,840
4-year sticker
$32,780
Out-of-state
#26
National rank

Hawaii college cost breakdown

In-state tuition

$11,460

Out-of-state

$32,780

2-year in-district

$4,017

Estimated COA

$25,360

Hawaii's $11,460/yr in-state tuition ranks #26 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).

Four-year sticker cost in Hawaii

Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.

In-state tuition (1 year)

Rank #26 nationally

$11,460

4-year sticker (tuition only)

No room/board

$45,840

Estimated COA (1 year)

Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)

$25,360

Out-of-state tuition (1 year)

Premium +$21,320

$32,780

Community college (1 year)

Public 2-year in-district

$4,017

Compare Hawaii with another state

Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.

Compare any two states

Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.

States with similar in-state tuition

Maryland

$11,480

Texas

$11,260

Iowa

$11,180

Tennessee

$11,740

North Dakota

$11,080

California

$11,950

Key takeaways — Hawaii college costs

  • Hawaii public 4-year in-state tuition averages $11,460/yr—rank #26 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $32,780/yr (rank #32), premium +$21,320.
  • Four-year sticker (tuition only): $45,840 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $25,360/yr × 4 ≈ $101,440.
  • Public 2-year in-district: $4,017/yr (US avg $4,150).
  • Hawaii is $490 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
  • Hawaii does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions.
  • Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.

Hawaii college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college

Hawaii public 4-year institutions charge an average of $11,460 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #26 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $32,780/yr (rank #32), premium +$21,320.

Community college in Hawaii: Public 2-year in-district: $4,017/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.

Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Hawaii ≈ $25,360/yr in-state.

Four-year sticker cost in Hawaii

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $45,840 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $101,440.

Out-of-state students pay about $131,120 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $85,280 more than in-state over 4 years.

These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.

Hawaii 529 plan tax benefits

Hawaii does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.

529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).

Link your 529 savings goal to Hawaii tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.

Hawaii financial aid and scholarship programs

Hawaii may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Hawaii higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Hawaii residents attending in-state public institutions.

Who this Hawaii guide helps

  • Families comparing Hawaii tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
  • High school students in Hawaii evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
  • 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Hawaii public college costs.
  • Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.

When to use other tools

  • You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
  • You're comparing private college costs in Hawaii (this page covers public only).
  • You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
  • You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).

Hawaii college cost checklist

  • Note Hawaii in-state tuition: $11,460/yr (rank #26).
  • Out-of-state: $32,780/yr (premium +$21,320).
  • Community college: $4,017/yr (2-year in-district).
  • Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
  • Check Hawaii 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
  • Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
  • Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.

Hawaii college cost FAQs

Hawaii averages $11,460 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #26 nationally (lowest = #1).

Out-of-state tuition averages $32,780/yr in Hawaii (rank #32), a premium of $21,320 above in-state.

Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $4,017/yr in Hawaii (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $45,840 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $25,360/yr × 4 ≈ $101,440.

Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. HI residents should check /529-calculator for Hawaii-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.

Hawaii may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Hawaii higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.

Hawaii ranks #26 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.

Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.

Most Hawaii public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Hawaii driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.

Yes. Most Hawaii state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.