English at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,570/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #420 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data reflects Hawaii's unique labor market, which differs significantly from mainland hubs. While a general English degree from UH Manoa cultivates invaluable critical thinking and communication skills, the local economy leans heavily on tourism, public service, and smaller businesses. This often translates to fewer high-paying corporate or publishing roles typically available elsewhere. Consequently, many graduates find fulfilling careers in local education, state government, or non-profits, which, while vital, often offer compensation below national averages, especially given the state's high cost of living. The "very high" AI risk also flags some traditional roles. To strengthen your career trajectory, proactively seek internships that build practical skills like grant writing or digital content creation, allowing you to carve out a more specialized niche in Hawaii's distinct employment landscape.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $492K $492K $460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.1x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 19

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 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,724
-8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,242
96% growth from Year 1

About University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, 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

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers $49,210/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does University of Hawaii at Manoa's English program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is English to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are English 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 →