Psychology at Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific's psychology program starts graduates at just $26,081—well below both the national median ($31,482) and what other Hawaii schools achieve. While that 40th percentile state ranking might suggest middle-of-the-pack performance, it actually means this program trails three of the four other Hawaii psychology programs, including UH Manoa by over $1,000 annually. At nearly $1 in debt for every dollar earned in year one, graduates face an immediate financial squeeze in one of America's most expensive housing markets.

The 49% earnings jump to $38,738 by year four offers some relief, but context matters: you're still starting from such a low base that even strong growth leaves graduates playing catch-up. The $25,000 debt load is reasonable relative to national norms, yet it represents almost a full year's starting salary—a heavy burden when Honolulu rents demand 40-50% of take-home pay for a modest apartment.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs. If your child is committed to psychology in Hawaii and considering HPU's 84% admission rate as an accessible option, understand they'll likely earn less than peers at UH Manoa while carrying similar debt. That's a meaningful financial disadvantage during the crucial early career years when building savings and independence matters most.