Criminal Justice and Corrections at Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University's criminal justice program lands at the bottom of Hawaii's limited options for this degree, with graduates earning $44,930 four years out—well below the state median of $36,914 and ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally. That first-year figure of $29,193 is particularly concerning, falling roughly $8,000 short of typical Hawaii criminal justice earnings and creating a tight financial situation right when loan payments begin.

The 54% earnings growth from year one to year four offers some optimism, but even after that substantial jump, graduates still trail University of Phoenix-Hawaii grads by over $3,000 annually. With $27,000 in debt (matching the state median), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 means a recent graduate would spend nearly their entire first year's salary to pay off loans—a challenging position in expensive Honolulu. The small sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) adds uncertainty, but the pattern across multiple years suggests persistent lower earnings rather than a statistical fluke.

For a family considering this program, the math is straightforward: your student would likely earn less here than at Hawaii's other in-state options while carrying similar debt. If criminal justice is the goal, University of Hawaii at Hilo offers better earning potential at a public school price point. This program only makes sense if Hawaii Pacific's specific location or connections matter significantly for your child's career plans.