2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Hawaii

1

Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI

Kapiolani Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools in Hawaii. Set in the city of Honolulu, Kapiolani Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,284 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,420. Students borrow a median of $16,168 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $48,210. That is a strong return on a $16,168 median debt.

2

Kauai Community College
Lihue, HI

Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Kauai Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the rural area of Lihue, Kauai Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $8,388. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the nursing program here. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Kauai Community College generally make around $23,210. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Hawaii Community College
Hilo, HI

Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Hawaii Community College, which ranked #3. Hawaii Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Hilo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,204, with out-of-state students paying around $8,340. Students borrow a median of $17,174 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of Hawaii Community College earn a median of $69,990 early in their careers. Set against $17,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

University Of Hawaii Maui College
Kahului, HI

Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at University Of Hawaii Maui College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Kahului, University Of Hawaii Maui College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,284, compared with $8,420 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,577 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of University Of Hawaii Maui College earn a median of $102,390 early in their careers. Set against $11,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

University Of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HI

University Of Hawaii At Hilo came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. University Of Hawaii At Hilo is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Hilo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,838, while out-of-state students pay about $20,798. Students borrow a median of $26,875 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $102,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI

University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. Students from in state pay about $12,186 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Nursing graduates carry a median of $15,308 in student loans. Nursing graduates of University Of Hawaii At Manoa earn a median of $106,751 early in their careers. Set against $15,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.

7

Chaminade University Of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI

Chaminade University Of Honolulu came in at #7 for value in nursing this year. Located in the city of Honolulu, Chaminade University Of Honolulu is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,874. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $81,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

8

Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Pacific University landed the #8 spot for nursing value this year. Hawaii Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Honolulu. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,392. Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Nursing graduates of Hawaii Pacific University earn a median of $75,892 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.