The University of Hawaii's West Oahu campus is marking 50 years, a good-news story for local families looking for a cheap four-year degree close to home.

• The campus started with 75 students in mobile classrooms and now serves close to 3,000 people.
• 90% of students are local, and most graduate with no debt at all — about a third pay no tuition.
• Students can finish all four years there, or transfer in from a community college for the last two.
• A program lets students spend a year at one of over 300 mainland colleges while still paying in-state prices.
• The rail line runs right past the campus, and parking is free — a draw for commuters and a growing number of veteran students.

Outlook: Anniversary events and a campus exhibit on the school's history continue, with the university pushing the message that students don't have to leave Hawaii for a strong degree.