Home Schools University of Hawaii at Manoa English
English & Literature · English Rank #420 of 493

Englishat University of Hawaii at Manoa

Graduates earn $20,570/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national English average. Base-case 10-year earnings $492K; scenarios range from $460K to $492K depending on AI disruption.

Honolulu, HI Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
21 AT RISK
22
Optimistic
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,570
1-year post-graduation
ROI
7.3x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$492K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
63% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Hawaii at Manoa

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.

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
$460K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score19/100
Earnings Multiple9.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$492K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score21/100
Earnings Multiple10.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$492K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple10.1x
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 English 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
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
0.0% 10-yr growth · 5,100 openings/yr
$78,270/yr
High
2
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
-1.6% 10-yr growth · 66,200 openings/yr
$64,580/yr
Moderate
3
Proofreaders and copy markers
-0.6% 10-yr growth · 1,900 openings/yr
$49,210/yr
Very 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 English

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

Highest earnings
Georgetown University
DC · Private nonprofit
43
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.0x
ROI
Top score
University of Houston-Clear Lake
TX · Public
56
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
17.4x
ROI
Monmouth University
NJ · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
Brown University
RI · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
1.0x
ROI
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
1.1x
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 English offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about English at University of Hawaii at Manoa

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.