Finance and Financial Management Services at Brigham Young University-Hawaii

The debt-to-earnings math here looks manageable—similar finance programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $53,590 against an estimated $25,812 in debt, producing a 0.48 ratio that's squarely in reasonable territory. However, BYU-Hawaii's location complicates this picture considerably. The national benchmark figure is roughly $9,000 higher than what University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates actually earn ($44,594), and Hawaii's job market for finance roles is noticeably thinner than mainland options. Unless your child plans to relocate after graduation, the debt burden may feel heavier against Hawaii-level salaries.

The selective nature of this program (38% admission rate, competitive SAT scores) suggests quality instruction, and the relatively modest estimated debt indicates the school may offer financial aid or lower tuition than many mainland alternatives. But the missing graduate outcome data means you're making this decision somewhat blind—there's no way to verify whether BYU-Hawaii's finance graduates match, exceed, or fall short of state and national patterns.

If your child is committed to staying in Hawaii post-graduation, prepare for the possibility that starting salaries will track closer to the $44,594 state benchmark rather than the $53,590 national figure. That would push the effective debt ratio higher. Alternatively, if they're open to mainland opportunities where finance salaries run stronger, the investment calculates more favorably. The program isn't expensive enough to derail their financial future, but Hawaii's isolated market makes career planning particularly crucial here.