Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Hawaii at Hilo

UH Hilo's nursing program produces graduates earning $84,401 in their first year—more than $9,500 above the national median for bachelor's-level nursing programs. The debt load of $26,875 is entirely reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 that graduates can manage comfortably on a nursing salary. Earnings continue climbing to $89,133 by year four, suggesting solid career progression in Hawaii's healthcare market.

The state picture adds important nuance. While this program ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Hawaii's five nursing programs. That's largely because two University of Hawaii campuses (Manoa and this Hilo campus) plus University of Phoenix dominate the top spots, with Manoa graduates earning about $5,000 more initially. Still, for a school with a 90% admission rate serving many Pell Grant recipients, UH Hilo delivers strong outcomes and costs less than some competitors like Chaminade.

For students who want to stay in Hawaii—where nursing salaries are notably higher than the mainland—this program offers solid preparation without excessive debt. It's not the absolute top earner in the state, but the combination of accessibility, reasonable cost, and above-average national outcomes makes it a sound choice for students seeking nursing careers in Hawaii's healthcare system.