International Business at Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii's International Business bachelor's programs cluster around $50,000 in first-year earnings, with UH Manoa's reported figure at $50,923. Hawaii Pacific's program likely tracks close to this—the national median estimate of $49,890 reflects typical outcomes when actual school-specific data isn't available. The estimated $25,000 debt load sits slightly above both state and national norms for this degree, though the 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. The comparison point that matters most is UH Manoa, which offers essentially the same earning potential with reportedly lower debt ($19,000).

What complicates the value equation here is Honolulu's cost of living, which ranks among the highest in the nation. A $50,000 salary stretches differently in Hawaii than on the mainland, making that debt-to-income ratio feel tighter in practice. The program's accessibility (84% admission rate) may appeal to students who need options beyond UH's more selective campuses, but that convenience comes at a financial premium. International Business degrees typically emphasize networking and internship opportunities, so investigate whether Hawaii Pacific's industry connections in Honolulu's tourism and trade sectors justify the additional borrowing.

Given the proximity to a comparable public option, you'll want to see clear advantages—specialized faculty, corporate partnerships, or location-specific opportunities—that explain why this program costs more. Without demonstrated differentiation, the safer bet remains the flagship university program down the road.