Natural Resources Management and Policyat University of Hawaii at Manoa
Graduates earn $20,825/yr in their first year — about 44.0% below the national Natural Resources Management and Policy average. Base-case 10-year earnings $379K; scenarios range from $375K to $368K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Hawaii at Manoa
While the career paths listed on this page show high potential, the overall earnings data for this degree tells a different story. The reality is that a degree in natural resources management in Hawaii often leads to public sector or non-profit work. You might be managing vital local ecosystems for the state's Department of Land and Natural Resources or working with a conservation group. These careers are incredibly fulfilling but are not known for high starting salaries, especially in a state with a high cost of living.
The disconnect you see in the numbers reflects this split: a few graduates land lucrative, unrelated jobs, while many enter lower-paying but mission-driven conservation and policy roles specific to the islands' unique environment. To succeed, you must aggressively pursue internships with local and federal agencies—think the National Park Service or NOAA—to build a specialized, place-based resume that justifies your value in this competitive field.
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.
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.
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.
Peer schools offering Natural Resources Management and Policy
How University of Hawaii at Manoa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
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 Natural Resources Management and Policy offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Natural Resources Management and Policy trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Natural Resources Management and Policy at University of Hawaii at Manoa
What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Management and Policy at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Management and Policy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Management and Policy at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
The 42% 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 Natural Resources Management and Policy 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.