Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at University of Phoenix-Hawaii

The $46,262 debt load here should concern you—it's heavier than 95% of similar programs nationwide, where the typical graduate borrows just $27,000. While University of Phoenix-Hawaii's IT management graduates earn slightly above the national median at $60,401, they're carrying nearly double the typical debt burden. That 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly three-quarters of first-year salary goes to covering debt principal alone, before interest.

The earnings trajectory reveals another problem: graduates make essentially the same amount four years into their careers as they did right after graduation. Most IT programs show meaningful salary growth as graduates gain experience and move into management roles, but that's not happening here. With only 13% of students receiving Pell grants, this isn't primarily serving lower-income students who might have fewer alternatives—it's enrolling students who could likely find better value elsewhere.

Hawaii has limited options for this program (this is the only one tracked), but that scarcity doesn't make it a good deal. Your child would enter the workforce with debt that will take years longer to pay down than graduates from mainland programs. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances keeping them in Hawaii, look at accredited state university IT programs where debt loads typically run half this amount for similar or better career outcomes.