Construction Trades at Honolulu Community College

With $86,741 in first-year earnings and just $12,500 in debt, Honolulu Community College's Construction Trades program delivers one of the strongest immediate returns on investment you'll find at the associate's degree level. Graduates owe roughly six weeks' worth of their starting salary—a debt load they could realistically clear in a year or two of focused repayment. That 0.14 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with worse debt burdens.

The earnings numbers deserve attention too. While these graduates fall around the 60th percentile among Hawaii's construction programs, they're outperforming 95% of construction trades programs nationwide. Hawaii's construction market naturally commands higher wages due to the state's high cost of living and strong demand for skilled trades, and this program successfully connects graduates to those opportunities. The modest 4% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates hit their earning potential quickly rather than starting in lower-paid apprentice roles.

For families concerned about education debt, this represents about as low-risk a path as exists in higher education. The combination of minimal borrowing, immediate strong earnings, and robust job placement (supported by the large sample size of graduates) makes this program particularly attractive for students who want to start earning quickly without the financial burden that often accompanies a four-year degree.