Civil Engineering at University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa's civil engineering program produces graduates who earn $70,330 right out of college—beating the national median for the field and ranking in the 60th percentile among civil engineering programs statewide. With debt of $22,375, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning they owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. For a relatively accessible public university (70% admission rate), these are solid outcomes that position graduates competitively in Hawaii's construction and infrastructure sectors.

The trajectory shows modest but steady growth, with earnings climbing to $75,524 by year four—a 7% increase that reflects the typical progression for entry-level engineers gaining licensure and experience. The debt load sits below the national median for civil engineering programs, giving graduates financial breathing room as they establish their careers. However, it's worth noting that UH Manoa is the only option for civil engineering in Hawaii, so students committed to staying in-state don't have local alternatives for comparison.

For parents of students planning to work in Hawaii after graduation, this program delivers a straightforward value proposition: reasonable debt, immediate earning power above $70K, and credentials that meet local market demands. The engineering fundamentals learned here translate directly into jobs with the state's public works departments, private firms, and military contractors that dominate Honolulu's employment landscape.