Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Hawaii at Hilo

A 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates of similar geosciences programs nationwide finish with manageable debt relative to their first-year earnings—borrowing roughly seven months of salary. Based on peer programs across the country, this field produces starting salaries around $40,000, with top-performing programs reaching the mid-$40,000s. For a bachelor's in a science field, these are modest but stable figures that reflect entry-level positions in environmental consulting, field technician roles, or public sector work.

What matters for University of Hawaii at Hilo specifically is whether Hawaii's job market supports geosciences careers at these salary levels. The state's unique geology creates specialized opportunities in volcanic monitoring, marine science, and environmental assessment, but it's also an expensive place to live on $40,000. Similar programs elsewhere typically see graduates pursue additional credentials or move to mainland markets with stronger demand for geologists. Hawaii's high cost of living could make that starting salary feel considerably tighter than the debt ratio alone suggests.

Given the limited data available for this specific program, parents should investigate where recent UH Hilo geosciences graduates actually work and what they earn in Hawaii's real economy. The national comparison provides a useful baseline, but success here depends heavily on whether local opportunities exist that justify both the modest earnings and the state's above-average living costs.