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Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,041/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #324 of 351 Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $610K $598K $538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.3x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,744
Out-of-state: $136,872 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,724
-8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,682
67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,041 per year, Economics graduates from University of Hawaii at Manoa earn below the $53,966 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,000 against $35,041/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #324 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Hawaii at Manoa in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,041-to-$58,682 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 14,306 students in Honolulu, HI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Hawaii at Manoa →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($94,216) Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($71,260) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($70,950) Civil Engineering ($70,330) Computer Engineering ($65,003) Special Education and Teaching ($60,396) Education, General ($60,288) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($57,207)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
At 51/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Hawaii at Manoa a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Hawaii at Manoa's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →