Washington State University vs UH Manoa: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Washington State University and University of Hawaii at Manoa, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Washington State University vs UH Manoa at a glance
Washington State University admits 86.6% of applicants and UH Manoa 86.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,462 at Washington State University and $11,122 at UH Manoa. Six-year graduation rates are 62.8% and 61.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Washington State University admits 86.6% of applicants and UH Manoa 86.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,462 a year at Washington State University and $11,122 at UH Manoa; UH Manoa costs $2,340 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $6,750 at Washington State University and $7,926 at UH Manoa.
- 62.8% of students graduate within six years at Washington State University, against 61.6% at UH Manoa.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $72,280 for Washington State University and $62,422 for UH Manoa; Washington State University is $9,858 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,500 at Washington State University and $18,750 at UH Manoa.
- Washington State University enrolls 21,099 students (distant town) and UH Manoa 15,029 (large city).
Side by side
Washington State University and UH Manoa in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Washington State University | UH Manoa |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 86.6% | 86.6% |
| Applicants | 18,197 | 19,607 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1081–1293 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 17–25 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,462 | $11,122 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,888 | $12,402 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,994 | $34,434 |
| Cost of attendance | $27,914 | $25,270 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $6,750 | $7,926 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,495 | $6,845 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,683 | $9,483 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,212 | $12,579 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,537 | $18,901 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 62.9% | 61.6% |
| First-year retention | 78.3% | 80.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $72,280 | $62,422 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 21,099 | 15,029 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Town: Distant | City: Large |
| Location | Pullman, WA | Honolulu, HI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Washington State University reports 86 bachelor's programs and UH Manoa 82; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Marketing
- Biology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Questions about Washington State University vs UH Manoa
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Washington State University or UH Manoa?
UH Manoa is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Washington State University admits 86.6% of applicants and UH Manoa admits 86.6%.
Which is cheaper, Washington State University or UH Manoa?
UH Manoa has the lower average net price after grants: $13,462 a year at Washington State University against $11,122 at UH Manoa. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $6,750 and $7,926. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Washington State University or UH Manoa graduates earn more?
Washington State University graduates earn more at the median: $72,280 ten years after entry for Washington State University and $62,422 for UH Manoa. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Washington State University or UH Manoa?
Washington State University does: 62.8% of Washington State University students graduate within six years, against 61.6% at UH Manoa.
How big are Washington State University and UH Manoa?
Washington State University has 21,099 students in Pullman, WA and UH Manoa has 15,029 students in Honolulu, HI.