Computer Science at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Based on comparable computer science bachelor's programs nationally, Chaminade graduates might expect around $71,000 in first-year earnings—solidly above Hawaii's median of $57,661 for the field and notably higher than University of Hawaii at Manoa's reported $42,874. That $71,000 figure aligns with the national median, suggesting the program could deliver market-competitive outcomes despite limited graduate data. For a field where starting salaries matter tremendously, these peer-based projections look reasonable, particularly in Hawaii's limited tech market.

The estimated $25,000 debt load sits above Hawaii's typical $14,780 for computer science programs but translates to a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning total debt equals just over four months of that first year's salary. Given that 42% of students receive Pell grants and the school maintains a 93% admission rate, accessibility appears central to Chaminade's mission, which may justify slightly higher borrowing if it opens doors that wouldn't otherwise exist.

The key uncertainty here is whether Chaminade's actual graduates achieve outcomes similar to the national peer group used for these estimates. Hawaii Pacific University's reported $72,448 suggests strong tech earnings are achievable locally, but the wide gap between HPU and UH Manoa ($42,874) shows program quality varies significantly across Hawaii schools. If Chaminade delivers closer to national norms, the investment works. If outcomes fall substantially short, that debt becomes harder to justify.