Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University's ecology program lands graduates just below the Hawaii median, earning $25,499 in their first year—about $160 less than the state average. Among the four Hawaii schools offering this degree, that places it at the 40th percentile, trailing closely behind University of Hawaii at Manoa's $25,820. The $25,000 in typical debt nearly equals first-year earnings, creating a tight financial squeeze right out of college.

The positive news is the 34% earnings jump to $34,185 by year four, which outpaces what many biology graduates see nationally. That growth trajectory suggests the degree opens doors over time, even if the starting salary feels modest. Still, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile nationally—three-quarters of similar programs elsewhere post higher initial earnings, though the debt burden sits near the national median.

The major caveat here: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing significantly with a slightly different cohort. For a family considering this investment, the key question is whether your child can manage on $25K initially while building toward better opportunities. If they're passionate about conservation or marine biology and willing to navigate Hawaii's high cost of living on an entry-level salary, the trajectory is encouraging. But if financial stability in the first few years matters, this program doesn't offer much cushion.