Home Schools University of Hawaii at Manoa Economics
Social Sciences · Economics Rank #324 of 351

Economicsat University of Hawaii at Manoa

Graduates earn $35,041/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $598K; scenarios range from $538K to $610K depending on AI disruption.

Honolulu, HI Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
51 AVERAGE
52
Optimistic
55
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,041
1-year post-graduation
ROI
11.0x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$598K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
59% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The earnings data for UH Manoa Economics graduates reflects the unique dynamics of Hawaii's labor market. The island economy, while robust in tourism and government, offers a different landscape than major mainland hubs, with fewer high-paying corporate finance or consulting roles that typically drive high economic major salaries elsewhere. Many graduates find rewarding careers in local government, non-profits, or small to medium-sized businesses, where compensation aligns with the regional cost of living and industry structure. Given the "Very High" AI risk for Economics nationally, focusing your studies on advanced data analysis, econometrics, and critical thinking skills will be crucial. Actively pursue internships with organizations like the State of Hawaii, local banks, or large hospitality groups, and network diligently to build a professional path that leverages your analytical abilities within the islands' specific opportunities.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$538K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score55/100
Earnings Multiple11.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$598K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score51/100
Earnings Multiple12.3x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$610K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score52/100
Earnings Multiple12.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Hawaii at Manoa's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Economics graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Managers, all other
+4.5% 10-yr growth · 106,700 openings/yr
$136,550/yr
Moderate
2
Economics teachers, postsecondary
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 1,200 openings/yr
$119,980/yr
Moderate
3
Economists
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$115,440/yr
High
4
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
5
Statisticians
+8.5% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$103,300/yr
High
6
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
+6.7% 10-yr growth · 87,200 openings/yr
$76,950/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Economics

How University of Hawaii at Manoa stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Harvard University
MA · Private nonprofit
77
DW Score
$104K
1-yr earn
5.8x
ROI
Princeton University
NJ · Private nonprofit
62
DW Score
$103K
1-yr earn
3.3x
ROI
Duke University
NC · Private nonprofit
76
DW Score
$99K
1-yr earn
5.5x
ROI
Stanford University
CA · Private nonprofit
76
DW Score
$98K
1-yr earn
4.9x
ROI
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
76
DW Score
$95K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
Also at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Other top programs at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Hawaii at Manoa, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa

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.