Area Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
20
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,099
62% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Area Studies at Other Schools
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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 →