International Business at Brigham Young University-Hawaii

With $25,000 in estimated debt against first-year earnings around $49,890, this program appears to track closely with national patterns for International Business degrees—though it's worth noting these figures come from comparable programs nationwide, not BYU-Hawaii's actual graduate outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5 sits in reasonable territory, suggesting graduates from similar programs could manage repayment within standard timelines.

Hawaii's business landscape adds complexity here. The state's limited major employers and geographic isolation mean international business graduates often need to look beyond the islands for roles that fully utilize their training. The University of Hawaii at Manoa reports actual earnings of $50,923 for this major—nearly identical to the national benchmark used here—but mainland opportunities typically offer higher compensation. Parents should consider whether their student plans to stay in Hawaii post-graduation, as that choice significantly impacts earning potential.

The 38% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest BYU-Hawaii attracts reasonably prepared students, and the 30% Pell grant population indicates meaningful economic diversity. However, the lack of reported outcomes data makes it impossible to assess how effectively this specific program converts that student body into successful business professionals. If your child is committed to international business and has strong ties to Hawaii or the Pacific region, the estimated numbers suggest manageable debt. Otherwise, compare carefully against mainland programs with transparent, actual graduate outcomes.