Business/Commerce at University of Hawaii Maui College

With comparable business associate's programs nationally producing first-year earnings around $36,600, this UH Maui College program carries estimated debt of $11,000—a manageable 0.30 ratio that suggests graduates could reasonably pay down their loans within a few years. That's actually below the national median debt of $13,437 for similar programs. However, there's an unusual wrinkle here: earnings appear to decline by year four to $31,681, reversing the typical trajectory where graduates gain ground as they advance in their careers.

This earnings dip could reflect Hawaii's unique economy, where many associate-level business roles concentrate in tourism and retail—sectors with limited advancement without additional credentials. It might also indicate that successful graduates are leaving the islands for better opportunities, while those who stay face wage constraints. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (22%) suggests the student body skews toward families who can contribute to college costs, which makes the modest debt load more accessible but doesn't change the earnings picture.

For families considering this program, the math works if your student plans to stay local and is realistic about Hawaii's wage ceilings for associate-level business positions. The debt won't be crushing, but the declining earnings curve suggests this may be better viewed as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree rather than a terminal credential. The estimation uncertainty here matters—actual outcomes for Maui College could vary significantly from these national benchmarks.