Hawaii Pacific University vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, HI with Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hawaii Pacific University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (4,921 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hawaii Pacific University is located in Honolulu, HI (Large City setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Hawaii Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hawaii Pacific University 15:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

Hawaii Pacific University vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hawaii Pacific University or GWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Gardner Webb University than Hawaii Pacific University ($20,016 vs. $30,950).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 45.8% lower than at Hawaii Pacific University ($11,410 vs. $21,050).
• Gardner Webb University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hawaii Pacific University (about $368 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at GWU than at Hawaii Pacific University (about $368 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,392.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Hawaii Pacific University as at Gardner Webb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 38.1% larger than aid received by Hawaii Pacific University students ($27,088 vs. $19,611).

Hawaii Pacific University vs. GWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hawaii Pacific University or GWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GWU and Hawaii Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hawaii Pacific University (1100) is 10 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Hawaii Pacific University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hawaii Pacific University 998/1200; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hawaii Pacific University 19/27; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hawaii Pacific University - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hawaii Pacific University Sep 6, 2026.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Hawaii Pacific University (3.56).
• Hawaii Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at Hawaii Pacific University vs. 11.2% at GWU.

Hawaii Pacific University vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hawaii Pacific University and GWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Hawaii Pacific University's (39%).
• Graduates from Hawaii Pacific University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hawaii Pacific University graduates have a $2,469 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Hawaii Pacific University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Hawaii Pacific University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.