Geography and Cartography at University of Hawaii at Hilo

With only two geography programs in Hawaii and fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers tell an incomplete story—but what they show isn't encouraging. First-year earnings of $30,293 fall far below the national median of $38,726, landing this program in just the 13th percentile nationally. The debt load of $21,500 might seem manageable, but when paired with these starting salaries, it means graduates face nearly nine months of gross income just to cover their educational borrowing.

The 60th percentile state ranking is misleading context given there are only two programs in Hawaii to compare against. For mainland students, attending UH Hilo for geography makes little economic sense when national alternatives offer 28% higher starting earnings. For Hawaii residents who want to stay in-state, the calculation is tougher: in-state tuition could reduce that debt burden significantly, but you're still looking at earnings that trail the national standard by $8,000+ annually right out of the gate.

The small sample size means a few graduates' circumstances could skew these numbers dramatically, but that uncertainty cuts both ways. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to study geography specifically at UH Hilo—research opportunities, family ties to Hawaii, or career connections within the islands—families should explore mainland programs where geography graduates typically start $8,000 higher or consider whether related fields might offer better Hawaii-based prospects.