Analysis
Hawaii Pacific University's HR program costs an estimated $30,016 in debt—somewhat higher than the national median for this degree, though in line with what other Hawaii programs typically charge. That debt load represents 60% of estimated first-year earnings, meaning graduates would dedicate roughly 6-7 months of their first year's salary to paying down their loans.
The earnings picture based on comparable programs suggests starting pay around $50,361, which falls right at the national median but slightly below what similar programs in Hawaii produce ($51,299). More telling: University of Phoenix-Hawaii's reported HR graduates earn $57,983, while UH Manoa's earn $44,615. This suggests considerable variation in the state's market, with Hawaii Pacific's estimated outcomes landing somewhere in the middle.
The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by most standards—better than many bachelor's programs—but the uncertainty here matters. With both earnings and debt estimated from peer institutions rather than actual outcomes for Hawaii Pacific graduates, you're essentially betting on this program performing like the average. Given that HR roles often depend heavily on employer connections and internship pipelines, ask the school directly about their placement track record and corporate partnerships in Hawaii. The fundamentals suggest reasonable value if those connections exist, but you'll need more than estimates to confirm it.
Where Hawaii Pacific University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Hawaii
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Hawaii (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,020 | $50,361* | — | $30,016* | — | |
| — | $57,983* | $51,907 | $50,470* | 0.87 | |
| $12,186 | $44,615* | $50,548 | $12,968* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $50,361* | — | $26,625* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hawaii Pacific University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 169 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.