Mechanical Engineering at University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa's mechanical engineering program shows an unusual pattern: graduates start well below the national median at $53,182—landing in just the 5th percentile nationally—but then experience remarkable 57% earnings growth by year four, reaching $83,550. That's a $30,000 jump that vaults graduates past the national median. The modest debt load of $25,638 means graduates enter the workforce with a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, even with those lower initial salaries.

The 60th percentile state ranking is somewhat misleading since UH Manoa is the only mechanical engineering program in Hawaii, making it both the best and worst option locally. The real question is whether Hawaii's engineering job market can sustain long-term growth. The strong four-year trajectory suggests graduates either move to higher-paying mainland positions or advance into senior technical roles where Hawaii's limited industrial base offers competitive compensation.

For families committed to staying in Hawaii, this represents a solid path into engineering with reasonable debt. However, parents should recognize their child will likely start $17,000 below national peers, which could delay major financial milestones like home buying or retirement savings in those crucial early career years. The program works if you're patient about earnings growth or willing to relocate after gaining experience.