Students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa achieve strong economic mobility, with low-income graduates earning significantly more than peers at similar institutions nationwide.
The university combines above-average earnings outcomes with exceptional affordability, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers students a distinctive combination of academic quality, cultural richness, and financial value that's hard to find elsewhere in American higher education. As Hawaii's flagship research university, UH Manoa serves as both a gateway to Pacific Rim opportunities and a launching pad for careers that blend local knowledge with global reach. The institution balances broad access with strong outcomes, particularly excelling in specialized programs that align with Hawaii's unique economic landscape.
What makes UH Manoa especially compelling is its ability to deliver solid long-term financial returns while maintaining relatively affordable pricing. Graduates earn a median of $57,624 ten years after enrollment, placing the university above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The institution particularly excels in mobility outcomes, ranking in the very high band nationally for helping students achieve upward economic progress.
As a large public research university in one of America's most culturally diverse states, UH Manoa provides students with perspectives and opportunities that extend far beyond traditional mainland experiences. The combination of research university resources, Pacific location, and strong financial outcomes creates a unique value proposition for students seeking both academic excellence and distinctive cultural immersion.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa's program portfolio reflects both traditional academic strengths and Hawaii's unique economic positioning. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 116 graduates with strong median earnings of $70,710, making it the highest aggregate return program at the university. This reflects Hawaii's robust healthcare sector and the critical need for nursing professionals across the Pacific region.
Technology programs deliver some of the university's highest individual earnings outcomes. Computer Engineering, though smaller with 34 graduates, produces median earnings of $74,576—among the highest at UH Manoa and competitive with mainland technology programs. This performance reflects Hawaii's growing tech sector and the strategic advantage of technology professionals who understand Pacific Rim markets and cultural contexts.
Psychology represents the university's largest program with 177 graduates, though at more moderate earnings around $27,419, reflecting the field's diverse career pathways from clinical practice to research to education. The program's scale demonstrates UH Manoa's commitment to liberal arts education while the earnings reflect the varied professional directions psychology graduates pursue in Hawaii's unique social and cultural landscape.
Graduates of the University of Hawaii at Manoa achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect both the institution's academic strengths and Hawaii's distinctive economy. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $57,624, placing the university above average nationally for earnings performance. This outcome is particularly noteworthy given Hawaii's unique economic context, where many career paths blend local expertise with broader professional opportunities.
The strongest financial returns come from UH Manoa's specialized programs that align with regional economic strengths and national demand. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate return program, with 116 graduates earning a median of $70,710 and contributing significantly to the university's overall economic impact. Computer Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $74,576 median income, though with smaller cohorts of 34 graduates. Psychology represents the largest program footprint with 177 graduates, though at more moderate earnings levels around $27,419, reflecting the field's diverse career pathways.
The university's location provides graduates with unique advantages in cost of living and career positioning. Hawaii's economy offers distinctive opportunities in tourism, healthcare, technology, and Pacific Rim business that can provide strong long-term career growth for graduates who understand how to leverage the state's strategic position and cultural connections.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa delivers exceptional affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families seeking quality higher education. Low-income students pay just $7,397 annually in net price, well below national averages and making UH Manoa one of the more affordable flagship universities in the country. Middle-income families see net costs around $13,381 per year, while even higher-income families pay $20,462 annually—reasonable pricing for a research university of this caliber.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UH Manoa graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,500 upon graduation. This moderate debt load, combined with the university's solid earnings outcomes, creates a sustainable financial equation for most borrowers. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $27,461 for families who choose this option, reflecting the additional investment some families make in their students' education while still maintaining reasonable debt-to-income ratios given typical graduate earnings.
What makes UH Manoa's affordability particularly compelling is how it combines low upfront costs with solid long-term returns. The university's strong loan repayment performance—with borrowers consistently outperforming national averages in paying down balances—demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their educational investments while building toward long-term financial stability.
University Of Hawaii At Manoa Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
