Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Hawaii at Manoa

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 based on comparable geosciences programs nationally suggests manageable borrowing, with graduates earning roughly $1.60 for every dollar owed. However, that first-year salary estimate of $39,678 is modest by STEM standards, and Hawaii's high cost of living makes this figure particularly tight—what might be workable in most mainland markets could feel constrained in Honolulu, where housing and general expenses run significantly above national averages. Peer programs nationwide show some graduates earning above $43,000 in their first year, but the field's entry-level salaries tend to cluster in this $35,000-45,000 range regardless of location.

The concerning reality here is that these estimates tell us nothing about UH Manoa's specific outcomes or placement strength in Hawaii's unique geosciences job market, which includes opportunities in volcanic monitoring, oceanography, and environmental consulting that might not exist elsewhere. With only three schools in the state offering this degree, and none reporting data, parents are left guessing whether this program connects graduates to those specialized roles or whether they'll need to relocate to find relevant work. If your student is committed to staying in Hawaii post-graduation, you're betting on local employer relationships and network connections that aren't reflected in these national earnings estimates—a calculation that requires direct conversations with faculty and recent alumni about actual job placement.