Management Information Systems and Services at Hawaii Pacific University

A debt load of nearly $27,000 for a bachelor's in Management Information Systems raises questions when peer programs nationally carry around $24,000, and Hawaii's other MIS option reports just $13,000. While the estimated first-year earnings of $59,490 align with the national median for this field, they sit well above the $53,758 that University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates actually earn—suggesting Hawaii Pacific's estimate may be optimistic for the local market. Hawaii's tech sector is smaller and more specialized than mainland markets, which could mean the national benchmarks don't translate directly to Honolulu's job landscape.

The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds if those earnings materialize, but the combination of estimated figures and Hawaii's unique economy creates real uncertainty. MIS degrees generally lead to stable careers in IT management, database administration, and systems analysis, but you're banking on outcomes derived from programs across the country rather than this school's actual track record. With only two schools in Hawaii offering this degree, the state data is thin, making it harder to gauge what "normal" looks like locally.

Given that UH Manoa reports actual outcomes at similar earnings but half the debt, investigate why Hawaii Pacific's estimated costs run higher. If your child is committed to staying in Hawaii for school and career, understanding the local employment pipeline and whether this program's connections justify the additional borrowing becomes essential.