Communication and Media Studies at University of Phoenix-Hawaii

University of Phoenix-Hawaii's communication program dramatically outperforms both Hawaii peers and national competitors, with graduates earning $47,919 in their first year—nearly 60% above Hawaii's median and ranking in the 95th percentile both statewide and nationally. To put this in perspective, these graduates out-earn University of Hawaii at Manoa alumni by roughly $17,000 annually. The $45,000 debt load is considerably higher than Hawaii's typical $20,753 for this field, but the strong earnings make this manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0.

The key question is what's driving these exceptional outcomes. The 13% Pell grant rate suggests a different student population than traditional undergrads—likely working professionals leveraging employer networks and prior experience. The modest 4% earnings growth from year one to year four supports this theory: these students aren't climbing an entry-level ladder so much as credentializing existing careers. For a traditional 22-year-old graduate, replicating these results without established professional connections would be significantly harder.

If your child already has Hawaii work experience or strong local employment prospects, this program's track record justifies the premium cost. For a recent high school graduate without those connections, you're essentially betting they can match outcomes that may depend heavily on factors beyond the degree itself. The numbers work, but context matters enormously here.