Public Administration at University of Hawaii-West Oahu

UH-West Oahu's Public Administration program sits squarely in the middle of what you'd expect from this field—not exceptional, but reasonably solid for Hawaii students seeking government or nonprofit careers. Graduates earn $42,481 initially and $46,124 after four years, landing at the 60th percentile among Hawaii's limited options (only two schools offer this degree in-state). While that trails the national median by about $3,000, it's competitive for the local market where most public administration jobs are. The $21,000 debt load creates a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary.

The real question is whether public administration careers align with your child's goals. These positions typically offer stability and benefits rather than rapid salary growth—the 9% earnings bump over four years confirms this pattern. At 96% admission and serving many first-generation college students (30% receive Pell grants), UH-West Oahu provides accessible education without the debt burden that crushes some public service careers. For students committed to working in Hawaii's government or community sectors, this program delivers predictable, if modest, returns.

If your child wants higher earning potential, business or healthcare might be better bets. But for those drawn to public service, this represents a financially viable path—particularly important in a state where public sector employment comprises a significant share of the job market.