Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Hawaii Maui College

UH Maui College's nursing program launches graduates into six-figure salaries with minimal debt—an extraordinary combination that places it in the 95th percentile nationally for both earnings and low debt burden. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.11, graduates earn their total debt back in roughly six weeks. While this ranks at the 60th percentile among Hawaii's four nursing programs (where earning standards are exceptionally high statewide), it still outpaces the state median by $16,000 annually.

The earnings trajectory deserves attention: first-year graduates average $102,390, but this drops to $92,829 by year four. This likely reflects Hawaii's unique healthcare labor market, where acute nursing shortages can drive up starting wages, and some graduates may transition to lower-paying specialties or reduce hours for lifestyle reasons. Even with this decline, fourth-year earnings still exceed the national median by $24,000.

For an associate degree requiring minimal investment, this program offers compelling economics. The combination of manageable debt and strong immediate earning power makes it financially accessible—particularly important given that only 22% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many are working adults switching careers. If your child can handle Hawaii's high cost of living, this represents an efficient path to a stable healthcare career.