Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Hawaii Maui College

A liberal arts associate's degree from UH Maui College demonstrates something parents should know about Hawaii's community college system: strong early earning growth can offset modest starting salaries. While graduates begin at just under $28,000—barely above the national median—they see a remarkable 37% jump to $38,000 by year four. Among Hawaii's ten schools offering this program, UH Maui ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it solidly in the top half and ahead of several larger campuses including Leeward and Kauai Community Colleges.

The debt picture here is actually more favorable than it initially appears. At $12,072, the debt load sits below many associate's programs, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means graduates owe less than half their first year's salary—manageable territory for loan repayment. Combined with strong earnings momentum into year four, students gain financial ground quickly after graduation.

The real consideration is whether an associate's in liberal arts serves your child's specific goals. This is fundamentally a transfer degree or a stepping stone credential, not typically a terminal career path. If the plan is to continue to a bachelor's program or leverage this degree into Hawaii's service economy while gaining work experience, the numbers work. For a student planning to stop at the associate's level, exploring more vocational programs at the same campus might yield faster returns.