Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Graduates from this program start below the national median at $27,626, but the 45% earnings jump over four years tells a more optimistic story. The real signal here: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Hawaii's limited options for this degree, and notably outperforms UH Hilo's similar program by $15,000 at the four-year mark. With relatively moderate debt of $22,492, students enter the workforce with a manageable 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves considerably as salaries climb.

The caveat is that first-year earnings lag behind the $30,554 national median, which makes sense in Hawaii's unique economy where cost of living is high but many education and fitness sector jobs start at modest pay scales. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully moving into better-paying positions—whether in school administration, recreation management, or specialized fitness roles—rather than staying in entry-level teaching or coaching positions.

For families comfortable with a slower financial start in exchange for steady career progression in Hawaii's stable education and recreation sectors, this is a viable path. The debt load won't be crushing, and the trajectory points upward. Just know your child will likely need financial support or supplemental income during those first couple of years while they establish themselves professionally.