Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Hawaii at Hilo

The $24,815 starting salary here ranks this program at the bottom 5% nationally for Health and Physical Education degrees, though it's closer to the middle among Hawaii's limited options. That first-year figure is particularly stark given that graduates carry $22,750 in debt—nearly a full year's starting income. The saving grace is significant earnings growth: by year four, graduates are making $38,446, a 55% jump that eventually puts them ahead of both national and state medians for this field.

Hawaii's cost of living adds urgency to these numbers. Even after four years of income growth, graduates are making roughly what entry-level teachers earn in the state, while dealing with some of the nation's highest housing and living costs. The debt burden, while below the national average for this major, still represents a meaningful constraint when paired with a sub-$25,000 starting salary. This pattern suggests graduates may need to piece together multiple part-time positions or work in lower-paying community roles before landing stable full-time employment.

For families planning to stay in Hawaii, this program offers modest long-term prospects but requires weathering a difficult first few years. The four-year earnings look acceptable for the field, but parents should ensure their child has financial support or supplemental income options during that initial period when earnings barely cover basic expenses.