Students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii achieve remarkably strong financial outcomes while maintaining exceptionally low debt levels, creating an ideal combination of affordability and career success.
The university's track record includes zero loan defaults and earnings that consistently exceed expectations for graduates from all economic backgrounds.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii offers a distinctive educational experience that combines strong financial outcomes with exceptional affordability and cultural diversity. Located in Laie, Hawaii, this private nonprofit institution serves as a unique gateway for students from across the Pacific region and beyond. The university maintains a medium-sized enrollment that fosters close student-faculty relationships while providing access to quality academic programs.
What sets BYU-Hawaii apart is its ability to deliver solid long-term earnings—graduates earn a median of $52,064 ten years after enrollment—while keeping costs remarkably low for a private institution. Low-income students pay just $13,884 annually, well below typical private university rates, and the institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, reflecting strong graduate financial stability.
The university's "Mobility Engine" designation reflects its success in serving students from diverse economic backgrounds while helping them achieve meaningful upward mobility. With nearly 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and strong completion rates, BYU-Hawaii demonstrates that a private, faith-based education can remain both accessible and financially rewarding for graduates entering today's job market.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused education that translates directly into employment opportunities. Business-related programs dominate the highest-earning outcomes, with Accounting leading both in graduate volume and economic impact—56 graduates earning around $49,436 represent the university's strongest aggregate return program. Business Administration, while smaller with 22 graduates, still delivers solid earnings of approximately $44,170.
Psychology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 48 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $28,236, reflecting the field's diverse career pathways and the need for additional training in many psychology-related careers. This pattern suggests students should carefully consider their post-graduation plans when choosing among the university's offerings.
The concentration in business and professional programs reflects BYU-Hawaii's strategic positioning in the Pacific region, where graduates can leverage their education in international business, tourism, and cross-cultural commerce. The university's location provides unique advantages for students interested in Pacific Rim careers, while the strong business curriculum ensures graduates have the practical skills needed for immediate employment and long-term career advancement.
Graduates of Brigham Young University-Hawaii achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on practical, career-oriented education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $52,064, placing the university above average nationally for earnings performance. This represents meaningful economic progress for students, particularly given the university's affordable cost structure and diverse student body.
The strongest financial returns come from business-focused programs, which dominate the university's highest-earning majors. Accounting graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 56 graduates, earn around $49,436 ten years out and generate the highest aggregate economic impact. Business Administration graduates earn approximately $44,170, while the university's most popular major, Psychology, shows more moderate earnings at $28,236 but still provides a solid foundation for various career paths.
BYU-Hawaii's program portfolio emphasizes practical, professional preparation that translates into stable career outcomes. The university's location in Hawaii provides unique opportunities for graduates interested in Pacific Rim business, tourism, and international commerce, while its strong business programs prepare students for careers that offer both financial stability and growth potential over time.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii stands out for exceptional affordability among private nonprofit institutions. Low-income students pay just $13,884 annually in net costs, a remarkably low figure that makes private education accessible to families across economic backgrounds. This pricing structure reflects the university's mission-driven approach to education and commitment to serving students regardless of financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain highly manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with only $9,413 in federal loan debt, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages just $9,316—both figures well below national averages for private institutions. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates consistently manage their debt obligations successfully after graduation.
What makes BYU-Hawaii particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low borrowing and solid earnings outcomes. With median earnings of $52,064 ten years after enrollment, graduates can comfortably handle their modest debt loads under standard repayment terms. This creates a low-risk financial profile that allows students to focus on career development rather than debt management in their early professional years.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
