2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Hawaii

1

Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI

Kapiolani Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools in Hawaii. Set in the city of Honolulu, Kapiolani Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,284, while out-of-state students pay about $8,420. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $16,168 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Kapiolani Community College earn a median of $48,210 early in their careers. Set against $16,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Kauai Community College
Lihue, HI

Kauai Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Lihue, Kauai Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $8,388. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered 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

A rank of #3 makes Hawaii Community College one of the best values for registered nursing. Located in the town of Hilo, Hawaii Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,204, with out-of-state students paying around $8,340. Students borrow a median of $17,174 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $69,990. Set against $17,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

University Of Hawaii Maui College
Kahului, HI

A rank of #4 makes University Of Hawaii Maui College one of the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of Kahului, University Of Hawaii Maui College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,284, with out-of-state students paying around $8,420. Students borrow a median of $11,577 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Hawaii Maui College generally make around $102,390. 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 registered nursing schools. University Of Hawaii At Hilo is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Hilo. Students from in state pay about $7,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,798. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $26,875. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $102,569. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

6

University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI

University Of Hawaii At Manoa earned the #6 position for value in registered nursing this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $15,308. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of Hawaii At Manoa earn a median of $106,751 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

7

Chaminade University Of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI

Chaminade University Of Honolulu came in at #7 for value in registered 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. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $31,000. Registered Nursing graduates of Chaminade University Of Honolulu earn a median of $81,125 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

8

Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Pacific University landed the #8 spot for registered nursing value this year. Hawaii Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Honolulu. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,392. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Hawaii Pacific University generally make around $75,892. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.