Analysis
Similar behavioral sciences bachelor's programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,400—modest for a four-year degree anywhere, but particularly challenging in Hawaii where the cost of living ranks among the nation's highest. When peer programs typically carry debt loads near $27,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, meaning nearly eight months of gross income would go toward debt repayment. That's manageable on paper, but the arithmetic changes dramatically when you're paying Honolulu rent on an entry-level social services salary.
The broader concern is growth trajectory. Behavioral sciences degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in counseling, social work, or applied behavior analysis—fields where the real earning potential emerges with advanced credentials. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, this estimated salary may not stretch far in Hawaii's economy. With 42% of Chaminade students receiving Pell grants, the school serves many families for whom an additional $27,000 in debt represents significant financial strain.
The takeaway: This path makes more sense if graduate school is part of the plan and your family has carefully mapped out the total investment across both degrees. For students planning to work immediately after graduation in Hawaii, the estimated earnings-to-cost-of-living gap presents a real obstacle that deserves honest conversation before enrollment.
Where Chaminade University of Honolulu Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all behavioral sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Behavioral Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chaminade University of HonoluluHonolulu | $29,970 | $35,410* | — | $26,865* | — |
 Wilmington UniversityNew Castle | $12,330 | $38,937* | $43,432 | $27,667* | 0.71 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $38,391* | — | $19,000* | 0.49 |
 University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix | $9,552 | $38,087* | $37,783 | $49,770* | 1.31 |
| University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario | — | $38,087* | $37,783 | $49,770* | 1.31 |
| University of Phoenix-NevadaLas Vegas | — | $38,087* | $37,783 | $49,770* | 1.31 |
| National Median | — | $35,410* | — | $26,944* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with behavioral sciences graduates
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Life Scientists, All Other
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
Social Science Research Assistants
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Chaminade University of Honolulu, approximately 42% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.