Human Resources Management and Services at University of Phoenix-Hawaii

University of Phoenix-Hawaii's HR certificate delivers something unusual: strong earnings momentum paired with manageable debt. Graduates start at the national median of $46,304, but four years later they're earning $63,337—a 37% jump that suggests this credential opens doors to career progression rather than just entry-level positions. With debt of just $12,785, students reach a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly three months of gross income.

The program performs better than expected given Hawaii's limited options for HR credentials—it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, though admittedly there's little local competition. The real concern is that debt runs higher than three-quarters of similar programs nationally, despite the absolute amount being modest. For a certificate program, you'd typically want to see even lower borrowing.

The practical verdict: If your child needs an HR credential quickly and can minimize additional borrowing, this delivers decent value through its earnings trajectory. The certificate appears to position graduates for advancement, not just a first job. Just recognize that while $12,785 isn't crushing debt, it's on the higher end for what's essentially a short-term credential program.