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Social Work at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,080/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #204 of 338 Social Work programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$663K	$662K	$615K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.6x	12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	39	53

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 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,724

-8% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,625

8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,946

114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,080/yr fall 26% below the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 13.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,625 debt-to-$27,080 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #204 out of 338 programs, University of Hawaii at Manoa's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $27,080 to $57,946 over five years (114% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Hawaii at Manoa

With a 70% acceptance rate, University of Hawaii at Manoa is moderately selective, serving 14,306 students in Honolulu, HI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Hawaii at Manoa →

Top Career Paths

Social and community service managers $78,240/yr

Social work teachers, postsecondary $76,210/yr

Social workers, all other $69,480/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Hawaii at Manoa's Social Work program score?

This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why are Social Work 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 →