Money doesn't actually talk. We do.

College in Hawaii: An Even Better Deal than we Thought

Last week, we mentioned a study noting that students who attend college in Hawaii graduate with the lowest average student-loan debt in the country, a mere $11,758.

Life on a tropical island and affordable college? I found it difficult to believe. To get the lowdown, I called Sarah, a friend from high school who attends the University of Oregon, but decided to spend this fall at University of Hawaii at Manoa through an exchange program. Although I interrupted her beach time, she was kind enough to briefly talk finance.

Through her exchange program, she gets to pay Hawaii’s in-state tuition, even though she’s a resident of Oregon. Her annual tuition is $5,136 at U.H. Manoa and $6,174 in Oregon. Out-of-state tuition is $14,400 at U.H. Manoa and $19,338 at the U of O. Since U.H. Manoa is on semesters and the U of O is on trimesters, she’s actually getting an extra half-term of classes done at the lower price, all of which will count towards her degree.

According to Sarah, the U.H. Manoa financial aid office offered to help her organize her federal loans and avoid taking out private loans at a higher interest rate. “Everything was so nice and easy,” Sarah said. “Me and the financial aid people, we’re down.”

Her rent is about the same (around $600), although she admits that dwellings near Waikiki Beach get pricier, as do most things, because the tourists there will pay more. U.H.-Manoa’s on-campus housing is $500 cheaper for the year than the U of O dorms, which are often likened to dungeons. Private apartment rent (which is what she’s rockin’) is about the same as it is in Oregon.

The price of a lunch at either campus is “about the same,” but certain meats and milk can be pricey in Hawaii. In Oregon, Sarah and other students spend lots at the gas pump, but U.H. Manoa gives its students transit passes (included with the tuition) for the “amazing” public transportation, giving students complete access to the island. And getting there? Hawaiian Airlines now has non-stop flights out of Portland under $200 each way.

Entertainment can be pricey, but most club cover charges top out around $10, and scooters rent for $35 for 24 hours.

And all of the beaches are free. Sigh.

-Mary Pilon