Graphic Communications at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,556/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 54 Graphic Communications programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $463K $467K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.6x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 14

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 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,724
-8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
15.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,302
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Hawaii at Manoa's Graphic Communications graduates start at $16,556/yr, trailing the $28,601 national average by 42%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 9.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,125 debt load exceeds a year of the $16,556 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #41 out of 54 programs, University of Hawaii at Manoa's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $16,556 to $34,302 over five years (107% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

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

Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Desktop publishers $53,620/yr
Prepress technicians and workers $47,300/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Hawaii at Manoa's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Hawaii at Manoa Graphic Communications graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Graphic Communications to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Graphic Communications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Graphic Communications 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 →