Was this tool helpful?
How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Hawaii for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Hawaii that averages $32,780 a year in 2025-26, compared with $11,460 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Hawaii average) | $32,780 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Hawaii
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $36,623 | $45,164 | $63,613 |
| Public university | $59,403 | $67,944 | $86,393 |
| Private university | $71,623 | $80,164 | $98,613 |
Living costs in Hawaii
Across Hawaii's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $3,310 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $1,655 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $1,067 a month; prices in Hawaii are 10.0% above the US average.
In total, expect about $2,722 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $3,015 | $1,508 | $2,584 |
Hawaii vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $27,680 | $2,022 | $54,441 |
| Washington | $38,500 | $1,912 | $63,949 |
| Hawaii ★ | $32,780 | $2,722 | $67,944 |
| California | $42,100 | $2,235 | $71,417 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Hawaii?
About $67,944 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $32,780, living about $32,664, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $80,164 and a community college about $45,164. That makes Hawaii the 3rd most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
