Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade's nursing graduates earn solidly above the national average—starting at $81,125 puts them in the 75th percentile nationwide—but they're paying a premium compared to other Hawaii options. With $31,000 in median debt versus the state median of $26,875, students here borrow roughly $4,000 more than their peers at other Hawaii nursing programs while earning less than graduates from University of Hawaii at Manoa or Hilo. That 40th percentile state ranking is the real concern: when in-state alternatives offer stronger earnings with lower debt, the value proposition becomes harder to justify.

The numbers aren't alarming—a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, and the 15% earnings growth to $93,262 by year four shows solid career progression. Hawaii's nursing market clearly rewards experience. But context matters: your child could graduate from UH Manoa with similar debt and start $13,000 higher, or attend UH Hilo with less debt and comparable earnings.

If Chaminade offers something specific your family values—smaller class sizes, a particular clinical placement, or campus culture—these earnings can absolutely support the debt load. But from a pure return-on-investment standpoint, this is the most expensive path to a Hawaii nursing career that delivers middle-of-the-pack results. Visit the campus, compare financial aid packages carefully, and make sure any premium you're paying translates into tangible advantages for your student.