Mathematics at University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa's mathematics program tells two very different stories depending on your frame of reference. Among Hawaii's limited math program options, it actually performs at the median—60th percentile statewide. But nationally, graduates earn just $39,963 in their first year, landing in the 19th percentile compared to math programs across the country. That's nearly $9,000 below the national median for math bachelor's degrees. The good news: earnings climb substantially to $54,146 by year four, approaching the national 75th percentile and suggesting these graduates eventually catch up.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $18,197, graduates owe less than the national average, creating a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means even with below-average starting salaries, the financial burden stays reasonable. The strong earnings trajectory matters here—that 36% jump over four years indicates graduates are finding better opportunities as they gain experience, possibly relocating to mainland markets where math skills command higher pay.

Here's the practical reality: if your child plans to stay in Hawaii after graduation, this program performs as well as the few alternatives available. But if they're willing to attend college elsewhere or expect to leave Hawaii for work, other programs nationally deliver significantly stronger starting salaries. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) also means these numbers could shift considerably year to year.