Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade's psychology graduates earn more than their peers at the University of Hawaii system—$29,445 in year one, rising to $41,443 by year four. While those first-year earnings trail the national median slightly, they outperform the $27,104 median for Hawaii psychology programs, placing this program in the 60th percentile statewide. That's particularly notable given Hawaii's challenging cost of living.

The program demonstrates unusual momentum: 41% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find their footing in the local job market, eventually pulling ahead of what most psychology majors earn nationwide. At $24,965, student debt sits just above Hawaii's median and remains manageable relative to even first-year earnings (0.85 ratio).

The main caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift significantly with more data. Still, for Hawaii families comparing local options, Chaminade's psychology graduates appear to achieve better employment outcomes than the state's larger public universities, possibly reflecting the program's smaller class sizes or professional network advantages in Honolulu's tight-knit community. If your student is committed to staying in Hawaii, this program merits serious consideration despite its higher sticker price.