Accounting at University of Hawaii Maui College

Based on national benchmarks from similar accounting associate programs, first-year earnings around $37,000 suggest modest initial returns—though the four-year figure of $29,370 raises questions about whether graduates are finding their footing in the field or facing Hawaii's challenging job market dynamics. With estimated debt around $16,000, you're looking at roughly five months of gross income to repay the loan, which is manageable compared to many degree programs.

The catch is that this program operates in one of the nation's most expensive states, where cost of living dramatically affects what $37,000 actually buys. Accounting associate degree holders nationally earn a median of $37,000 in their first year, with top programs reaching $42,000—so these estimates suggest middle-of-the-road outcomes. What's harder to gauge is whether Hawaii's limited job market (only six schools offer this program statewide, suggesting constrained demand) creates barriers to advancement, or whether local employers value community college credentials differently than mainland markets do.

The debt load is below the national median for accounting associate programs, which matters given the uncertain earnings trajectory. If your child is committed to staying in Hawaii and has realistic expectations about entry-level accounting salaries in an expensive state, the numbers work. But if the four-year earnings figure reflects actual market conditions rather than temporary setbacks, this becomes a tougher value proposition than the initial debt-to-earnings ratio suggests.