Understanding Hawaii Pacific University Tuition and Fees

Navigating the costs associated with higher education is a crucial step for prospective students and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition, fees, and financial aid options available at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). It aims to offer clarity on the various expenses involved, including tuition rates, mandatory fees, and additional costs, as well as the financial assistance programs designed to make education accessible.

Current Tuition and Fees Landscape

Hawaii Pacific University's tuition is $36,534, which is less than the national average tuition cost of $47,097. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers. The combined tuition and fees at Hawaii Pacific University total approximately $36,734 annually, a figure that sits within the top 40% percentile of national institutions, indicating a moderately high cost relative to other universities.

Undergraduate and Graduate Tuition (Academic Year 2025-2026)

It is important to note that all tuition and fees are subject to change. The fees noted below were in place at the time of catalog publication. As a full-time undergraduate student in district or state, the cost of attending Hawaii Pacific University is approximately $35,580 for tuition. This ranks in the top 30% for expense compared to other institutions. Additionally, mandatory fees amount to $500, placing them in the lower 30% for costliness. The graduate tuition for full-time students in district or state stands at $21,183, considered average and positioned within the top 40% among similar programs. Graduate fees are relatively modest at $350, ranking in the bottom 30% for expense. Full-time out-of-state undergraduate tuition matches the in-district rate at $35,580, categorized as average and in the top 35% for cost. Fees remain low at $500 in this category as well.

Additional Budget Considerations

Additional budget considerations include about $800 annually for books and supplies, which is comparatively low, falling within the bottom 25% percentile. Other costs include personal expenses ($800 per year) and transportation ($2,800 per year).

Financial Aid Opportunities

Hawaii Pacific University provides various financial aid options to assist students in funding their education. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. 60.6% of students receive financial aid.

Read also: BYU Hawaii Tuition Fees Explained

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Grants and Scholarships: These do not need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $19,643.
Loans: Loans must be paid back. The need-based loan amount averages $4,110. At Hawaii Pacific University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $22,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $233. Additionally, 13% of graduating students at Hawaii Pacific University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $61,899 in private loan debt at graduation.
Work-Study: Hawaii Pacific University offers students a variety of work-study opportunities designed to help finance their education while gaining practical experience. Eligible students can engage in on-campus employment, which includes positions in administrative offices, academic departments, and campus facilities. The university also encourages participation in internships that align with students' academic and career goals. Regarding compensation, work-study positions typically pay at a rate consistent with minimum wage laws, although exact figures may vary based on the job and hours worked. Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Financial Aid Details

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 60.6%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 99.48%
Average Aid Packages Awarded: $25,311
Non-Need-Based Aid: $12,689

Net Price

Average Net Price is $32,204 per year. Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Read also: On-Campus Housing Options

Financial Aid for Military Community

Hawai'i Pacific University and the College of Professional Studies (CPS) support the military community by offering top tier programs while providing financial and student assistance. Financial awards will be available to service members as well as military family members, military retirees, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and civilian contractors working on the military bases for MCP-approved undergraduate and graduate programs.

Undergraduate Programs:

Active Duty Service Members, Reservists, and Guard will be eligible for $250/credit hour after the application of the HPU Service Member Tuition Waiver (eligibility applies, Active Duty Service Member cost per credit is $250. Eligible participants also include Active Reserve Member and Active National Guard Member.
Military dependents, military retirees, DoD civilians and civilian contractors working on the military bases can apply for the HPU Military Grant that will bring their tuition to $290/credit hour. Eligible participants include Dependent - Spouse, Dependent - Children, Military Retirees, DoD Civilians, Civilian contractors working on the military bases.

Graduate Programs:

Active Duty Service Members, Reservists, and Guard are eligible for service member pricing from $475/credit on select graduate programs offered by MCP. (eligibility applies). Eligible Participants Cost Per Credit for Active Duty Service Member is $475 (MPA, MSCJ) $750 (MBA). Other eligible participants include Active Reserve Member and Active National Guard Member.
Military dependents, military retirees, DoD civilians and civilian contractors working on the military bases are eligible for special pricing from $650/credit on select graduate programs offered by MCP. (eligibility applies, military grant application required). Eligible Participants Cost Per Credit is $650 (MPA, MSCJ) $840 (MBA) for Dependent - Spouse. Other eligible participants include Dependent - Children, Military Retirees, DoD Civilians, Civilian contractors working on the military bases.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Not available. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due: Not available. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Notification Date: Not available. When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: Not available. The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment.

Refunds for Withdrawals, Dropped Courses, Leave of Absences, or Unattended Classes

If a student drops, withdraws from, or fails to attend some or all of the classes for which they have registered, they will be responsible for paying all or a portion of tuition and fees based upon the deadlines outlined in the Academic Calendar.

In other words, students may drop or withdraw any and all courses for any reason before the semester begins and until the date posted in the Academic Calendar for the applicable term (typically the 8th calendar day after the first day of class) without financial penalty. After this date, students will owe HPU for certain tuition and fees, even if they are no longer attending the university. Students must follow the policies of the Registrar to officially drop courses, request a Leave of Absence, and/or to withdraw from the university. Failing to attend classes a student is registered for or failing to drop or withdraw officially before the deadlines outlined in the Academic Calendar does not absolve a student of their financial responsibility.

Consequences for Nonpayment

Failure to pay tuition and fees by the payment deadline may result in the following:

Read also: Cost of Hawaii Preparatory Academy

Late fees may be added to the account, increasing the amount owed. This may occur before or after the semester starts, and will prohibit a student’s ability to continue enrollment at the University until their account is cleared.
The account may be referred (sent or forwarded) to collections. If a student account is referred to collections, a third-party collections agency is authorized to contact the student in order to secure payment for the outstanding debt to Hawai’i Pacific University. When an account is sent to collections, the student still owes the University; the debt is not forgiven or discharged.

Student Loan Debt

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate. Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class is $33,018. 54% of Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024).

Resources for Further Information

Business Office: Contact the Business Office for questions about tuition and fee charges, payments, payment plans, or any topic covered in this section.
Financial Aid Office Phone Number
MyHPU Portal: Students may view their current cost of attendance and awards by logging into their MyHPU Portal account.
Net Price Calculator: The Net Price Calculator is a tool that is intended to provide estimated net price information based on these billable and non-billable costs minus estimated grant and scholarship aid. Note: This calculator provides a good estimate based on 2024-2025 tuition costs, but it is not a guarantee of financial aid.

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