Marketing at University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa's marketing degree starts slow but shows real momentum—graduates earn just $34,383 their first year out, landing in the bottom 5th percentile nationally. But here's the encouraging part: by year four, earnings jump to $46,743, a 36% increase that nearly catches up to the national median of $44,728. This trajectory matters more than the rocky start, especially since it's the strongest marketing program in Hawaii (60th percentile statewide), though that's among only four options.

The $19,500 in typical debt is actually a significant advantage—about $5,000 less than the national median for marketing programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, even that modest first-year salary makes the debt manageable. The combination of below-average debt and strong earnings growth creates a reasonable path forward, particularly for students planning to stay in Hawaii where this is the flagship option.

For families choosing between mainland schools with higher sticker prices and UH Manoa's in-state tuition, the debt advantage becomes even more pronounced. Your child will need patience through those first couple years of modest earnings, but the growth trajectory suggests they'll land on solid footing by mid-career. If staying in Hawaii is part of the plan, this program offers the best local preparation without the debt burden that makes other marketing degrees risky.