Business Administration, Management and Operations at Chaminade University of Honolulu

The $30,587 first-year salary tells only half the story here—what matters is where graduates land four years out. Chaminade's business program shows dramatic income growth, with earnings jumping 86% to nearly $57,000 by year four. That's a significant trajectory that places this program among the faster-rising business degrees in Hawaii, though it means graduates should expect to struggle financially in those early years.

Here's the catch: even with that growth, graduates still earn less than they would at University of Phoenix-Hawaii or Hawaii Pacific from day one, and the starting salary ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide. The $25,000 in debt is manageable at less than one year's starting salary, but that first-year income will be tight in Honolulu's expensive housing market. Parents should factor in whether they can provide living support while their child builds toward that year-four earning potential.

This program works best for students who have family support or can minimize living expenses during those crucial first years after graduation. The earnings growth is real and substantial, but it requires patience and financial runway. If your child needs to be financially independent immediately after graduation, the other Hawaii programs that start stronger might be safer bets despite similar long-term outcomes.