English Language and Literature at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The dramatic earnings trajectory here tells an unusual story: graduates start at just $20,570—well below the national median of $30,000—but nearly double their income to $38,705 within four years. That's an 88% increase that pushes four-year earnings above the national benchmark, suggesting either a delayed entry into professional roles or Hawaii's tight labor market rewarding those who stay and build connections.

The debt picture offers genuine relief. At $13,625, graduates owe roughly half what their mainland counterparts typically carry ($24,529 nationally). Since this represents the 60th percentile among Hawaii's five English programs, it's a typical in-state outcome. The low debt load becomes crucial during that challenging first year when earnings barely cover living expenses in one of America's most expensive states.

For families willing to weather the first-year financial strain, the math ultimately works. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests manageable payments once income stabilizes, and the four-year earnings of $38,705 exceed what most English graduates nationwide achieve. The real question is whether your student can handle Honolulu's high cost of living on $20,570 initially—perhaps through family support, multiple jobs, or living arrangements that reduce expenses. If they can bridge that gap, the program delivers better-than-expected mid-term outcomes for the degree type.