Business Administration, Management and Operations at Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University's business program produces graduates who earn notably more than most business majors in Hawaii—landing at the 60th percentile statewide—but with a debt load that sits in the 79th percentile nationally. Starting at $45,651 and climbing to $51,468 by year four, graduates match the national median while comfortably exceeding Hawaii's $39,948 state median. Among the seven schools offering this degree in Hawaii, only University of Phoenix grads earn significantly more, though they likely carry far more debt to get there.

The $21,500 debt burden deserves attention. While it's lower than the $26,000 national median for business programs, Hawaii Pacific students are borrowing more than the state average of $20,000. The 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—but this is still more debt than most local alternatives require. The 13% earnings growth over four years is solid but unremarkable for business majors.

For Hawaii families, this comes down to whether the earnings premium over UH Manoa and other state schools justifies the extra cost. Hawaii Pacific students do earn about $11,500 more than UH Manoa grads after four years, but whether that gap closes over time is unknown. If your child can attend for close to $21,500 in total debt and values HPU's private school environment, the investment tracks reasonably. Much beyond that debt level, and you're probably better served looking at state alternatives.