Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Hawaii at Manoa

That first-year salary of just over $20,000 looks alarming until you realize what's happening: this program captures recent graduates in temporary, transitional work before their careers launch. The 135% earnings jump to $47,100 by year four reveals the real trajectory, ultimately exceeding the national median for liberal arts programs by nearly $11,000. While this ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally at the one-year mark, it suggests many graduates are pursuing additional credentials, relocating from expensive Honolulu, or building experience before accessing better opportunities.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,877—below the state median and manageable against that year-four salary. However, parents should understand what that first year likely entails: their graduate may need financial support while working entry-level retail, service jobs, or internships in one of America's most expensive metros. The program performs middle-of-the-pack among Hawaii's limited liberal arts options, trailing UH-West Oahu's graduates by about $6,000 even at the four-year mark.

This program works for students with either a clear post-graduation plan (grad school, specific career pathway) or family support to weather that difficult first year. Without one of those safety nets, the combination of Honolulu's cost of living and those initial low earnings creates real financial stress, even if the long-term outcomes eventually justify the investment.