Plan Your Costs: International Student Budget
The amounts listed below in US dollars reflect the average estimated cost of attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo for the academic year 2026-2027.
Your actual costs may vary depending on your living arrangements and spending habits.
The required costs are the student fees that all students pay for campus facilities and activities. Fees for the academic year are fixed and are subject to change with University of Hawaii Board of Regents approval. Estimated personal expenses, transportation costs, medical insurance, books, and other school supplies are not fixed amounts, but they are included as estimates to help you plan for these expenses.
Estimated Expenses as they appear on form I-20
| Estimate (US$) | Description |
|---|---|
| $ 21,218 | Required Student Tuition and Fees (tuition: $20,448; estimated fees $770) |
| $ 15,090 | Living Expenses |
| $ 2,935 | Books, medical insurance |
| $ 39,258 | Total |
Itemized Expenses
| Estimate (US$) | Description |
|---|---|
| $ 21,218 | Tuition: The cost of attendance for one academic year, fall and spring semesters |
| $ 770 | Estimated Fees: Center for Global Education and Exchange, Student Publications, Activities, Health, Life Center, Student Association, Campus Center and Recreation |
| $ 1,500 | Transportation (Island of Hawaii ground transportation and interisland flights) |
| $ 10,814 | Meals & Housing |
| $ 2,776 | Personal Care Expenses |
| $ 1,350 | Books and School Supplies |
| $ 1,600 | Medical Insurance: All F-1 students are required to show proof of medical insurance |
| $ 39,258 | Financial Support Requirement |