Accounting at Kauai Community College

Hawaii's high cost of living looms large over this program's estimated numbers. Based on comparable accounting associate's programs nationally, graduates might expect around $37,000 in first-year earnings—but that figure carries very different weight in Lihue than it would on the mainland. The four-year earnings data, while actual rather than estimated, shows a concerning dip to $29,678, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance their careers on an island with limited accounting opportunities outside of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The estimated debt of roughly $16,000 is notably lower than the national median for accounting associate's programs ($19,354), which is encouraging. However, even modest debt becomes harder to service when living expenses consume a larger share of income. The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but peer programs nationally can't account for Hawaii's unique economic pressures—higher housing costs, limited job mobility, and the expense of relocating to the mainland if local opportunities don't materialize.

For families committed to staying in Hawaii, this program offers a path into accounting at a relatively controlled cost. But the backward slide in earnings by year four is a red flag that demands investigation. Talk to current students and recent graduates about actual job placements and whether they're finding roles that utilize their accounting training or settling for general business positions because the local market can't absorb more accounting specialists.