Political Scienceat University of Hawaii at Manoa
Graduates earn $24,964/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $594K; scenarios range from $539K to $608K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Hawaii at Manoa
The data for UH Manoa's Political Science program reflects a unique regional labor market. Hawaii's economy, while vibrant, offers fewer high-paying, private-sector roles traditionally sought by political science graduates compared to mainland hubs. You'll find opportunities within the State of Hawaii government, local non-profits focused on environmental or community issues, and potentially federal positions related to defense or Pacific affairs, but these are highly competitive. Many graduates prioritize remaining in Hawaii for lifestyle reasons, often accepting entry-level positions that align with the local salary structure. To enhance your career prospects, consider complementing your degree with strong quantitative skills or a specific regional focus, like Asian-Pacific relations, which can open doors to specialized roles. Actively network within Honolulu's government and non-profit sectors to understand the specific demand.
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 Political Science
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 Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at University of Hawaii at Manoa
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $539,242 in decade earnings vs $607,755 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.