At $13,884/yr net price, Brigham Young University-Hawaii graduates earn $52,064/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,064/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,884 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,064/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,064/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,413 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,884/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,436 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,170 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| Leisure and Recreational Activities. | Bachelor | $21,234 | |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. | Bachelor | $19,455 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $17,846 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $8,500 |
The Risk Factor
54.4% of students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Brigham Young University-Hawaii delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median 10-year earnings of $52,064 falling well below what you'd expect from a four-year degree. The school's 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degree, creating significant financial risk.
Accounting offers the strongest earning potential at $49,436, though this still lags behind national averages for the field. Business administration graduates earn $44,170, providing moderate returns. Liberal arts and social work graduates face particularly challenging financial prospects at $32,925, barely above what many high school graduates earn in Hawaii's expensive job market.
Your biggest risk is the low retention rate of 67%, suggesting many students struggle academically or financially. The median debt of $9,413 is relatively manageable, but only if you actually graduate and find employment in your field. Hawaii's limited job market compounds these challenges, as many graduates must relocate to the mainland for better opportunities.
The school works financially for LDS students seeking an affordable religious education who plan careers in accounting or business. The low net price of $13,884 makes it accessible, and the tight-knit campus culture appeals to many students. However, you should look elsewhere if you're pursuing liberal arts, social work, or political science, as these programs offer poor job prospects relative to their costs.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school primarily serves middle-class families who don't qualify for need-based assistance but may struggle with the total cost of attendance in Hawaii's expensive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brigham Young University-Hawaii worth the cost compared to other colleges?
BYU-Hawaii offers below-average earnings at $52,064 after 10 years, which is low for a four-year degree. The low net price of $13,884 and minimal debt of $9,413 help offset weak earning potential, but the 54% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the best paying majors at Brigham Young University-Hawaii?
Accounting graduates earn the most at $49,436 annually, followed by business administration at $44,170. Liberal arts and social work graduates earn around $33,000, while political science majors earn just $28,598.
How much student debt do Brigham Young University-Hawaii graduates typically have?
BYU-Hawaii graduates have relatively low debt at $9,413 median, well below the national average. The school's low tuition keeps borrowing manageable, though this doesn't compensate for below-average post-graduation earnings.
Does Brigham Young University-Hawaii have good job outcomes after graduation?
Job outcomes are mixed, with 10-year earnings of $52,064 falling short of most college graduates nationally. The 54% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, which limits career prospects.