Business/Commerce at Brigham Young University-Hawaii

An estimated $24,509 in debt against first-year earnings near $36,600 creates a workable but not exceptional financial picture for this associate's degree. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 suggests graduates could manage repayment within a few years, though it's worth noting this debt figure is considerably higher than the $13,437 national median for business associate's programs—nearly double what students typically borrow elsewhere for this credential.

The earnings estimate, drawn from national patterns, positions graduates right at the median for business associate's degrees nationwide. That's neither a red flag nor a standout advantage, but Hawaii's unique economy—with its high cost of living and tourism-dominated job market—could mean actual outcomes diverge significantly from mainland norms. Business programs at other two-year colleges across the country produce fairly consistent results, but the island context here introduces real uncertainty about whether these national patterns hold.

For families considering this program, the elevated debt relative to other business associate's programs deserves attention. If your student can minimize borrowing through BYU-Hawaii's church-affiliated tuition structure or family support, the investment makes more sense. Otherwise, you're essentially betting that the BYU network and Hawaii business connections justify borrowing twice what students at comparable programs typically take on.