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Area Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,020/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)

ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #56 of 66 Area Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$483K	$484K	$457K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.9x	9.9x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	48%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	19	20

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 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,724

-8% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

11.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,099

62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,020/yr fall 27% below the $35,677 national median for Area Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 9.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$26,020 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #56 out of 66 programs, University of Hawaii at Manoa's financial outcomes for Area Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,020 to $42,099 over five years (62% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Hawaii at Manoa

With a 70% acceptance rate, University of Hawaii at Manoa is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 14,306 in Honolulu, HI.

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

Top Career Paths

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Area Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Hawaii at Manoa's Area Studies program score?

This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Area Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Area Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Area Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Area Studies earnings lower at University of Hawaii at Manoa?

Lower starting pay at University of Hawaii at Manoa may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →