Communication and Media Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa's Communication and Media Studies program starts slow but shows significant momentum—graduates earn $30,235 initially but see their income jump 37% to $41,437 by year four. That trajectory matters because it suggests the degree opens doors that take time to unlock, though parents should be prepared for lean early years. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Hawaii's handful of communication programs, outperforming UH Hilo but trailing University of Phoenix-Hawaii's graduates by roughly $6,500 initially.

The financial fundamentals work better than they might appear. At $18,972 in debt, graduates owe about $6,000 less than the national median and avoid the burden that sinks many communication degrees. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 is manageable, particularly given that four-year earnings approach $41,000. However, first-year earnings trail the national median by nearly $5,000, placing this program in just the 24th percentile nationally—a reality likely tied to Hawaii's isolated economy and higher cost of living.

For families committed to staying in Hawaii, this program offers reasonable debt with proven earnings growth. The low borrowing burden creates breathing room during those challenging first years, and the upward trajectory suggests graduates find their footing. But students considering mainland opportunities after graduation should know they'll be competing with peers who started at higher salary baselines.