Law (JD) Degree in Honolulu, HI — Salary & ROI 2026
Law (JD) degree analysis for Honolulu, HI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$0
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$0
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
N/A
in Honolulu
Cost of Living
121
index (100 = avg)
Law (JD) in Honolulu, HI Overview
Honolulu, Hawaii (pop. 350,964) has 12 colleges offering Law (JD) programs. The local cost of living index of 121 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,330/month. Law (JD) enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Honolulu is approximately $0.
Category
Legal
Local Colleges
12
Public Tuition
$12,186/yr
Private Tuition
$27,060/yr
Room & Board
$12,570/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$12,299/yr
Unemployment
4%
Graduation Rate
54%
Law (JD) Salary in Honolulu (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Honolulu's cost of living index of 121 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Law (JD) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Honolulu adjustment factor: 1.21x based on the local cost of living index.
Law (JD) ROI Calculator for Honolulu
Estimate your return on investment for a Law (JD) degree using local Honolulu tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $12,186 | Private avg: $27,060
Honolulu avg aid: $12,299/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$99,024
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-42,350
vs HS diploma in Honolulu
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Honolulu
$-99,024
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($99,024)
Student Loan Payoff for Law (JD) in Honolulu
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Honolulu for Law (JD)
University of Hawaii at Manoa
public
$12,186/yr
$48,744 total
Chaminade University of Honolulu
private
$27,060/yr
$108,240 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Honolulu Community College
$3,432/yr
Top Employers for Law (JD) in Honolulu
Honolulu offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Law (JD) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Honolulu Hiring Sectors for Legal
Tech companies
Research labs
Government agencies
Startups
Consulting firms
Common Law (JD) Job Titles
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Law (JD) degree outcomes in Honolulu, HI: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Law (JD) programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Hawaii.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Honolulu using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Law (JD) graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Law (JD) career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Law (JD) grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Honolulu Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Hawaii students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Hawaii programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "hawaii higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Law (JD) Degree in Honolulu — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
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