- The College started as a postsecondary technical school in 1957. In 1965, the school was transferred to the University of Hawai‘i system and renamed Kapi‘olani Community College. Subsequently, the College has expanded its occupational offerings and added the Liberal Arts program, which allows students to undertake course work leading to a baccalaureate degree. It has also added the Continuing Education and Training program, which offers short-term noncredit courses.
School Highlights
Kapiolani Community College serves 5,914 students (25% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 31:1 is lower than the state community college average of 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Asian), which is equal to the state average of 88%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 5,914 students
- In-state tuition: $2,796
- Out-state tuition: $7,644
- Student-teacher ratio: 31:1
- Minority enrollment: 88%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Kapiolani Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 193 teachers has declined by 56% over five years.
Kapiolani Community College
(HI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
193 staff
65 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
5
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Kapiolani Community College has declined by 7% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 31:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The Kapiolani Community College diversity score of 0.77 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,914 students
2,375 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
31:1
33:1
# Full-Time Students
1,457 students
510 students
# Part-Time Students
4,457 students
1,865 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
309 students
309 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,457 students
510 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,457 students
2,191 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
40 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
36%
32%
% Hispanic
13%
15%
% Black
1%
1%
% White
12%
12%
% Hawaiian
5%
6%
% Two or more races
26%
30%
% Non Resident races
6%
2%
% Unknown races
1%
2%
Diversity Score
0.77
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
28%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,500
$34,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,796 is less than the state average of $2,815. The in-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,644 is less than the state average of $7,663. The out-state tuition has declined by 9% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,796
$2,815
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,644
$7,663
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
63%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$9,969
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,599
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- The College is located on a scenic 44-acre site in Honolulu, on the island of O‘ahu. It is next to world-renowned Diamond Head Crater, about a mile from Waikiki Beach. Besides the very popular liberal arts program, Kapi‘olani Community College is also known for strong technical, occupational and professional programs. Outreach Kapi‘olani Community College offers a large variety of non-credit programs, many of which are combined in innovative ways with departmental credit courses. National Recognition Programs including culinary studies, health sciences, emergency medical services and legal assistance have received national recognition. Kapi‘olani Community College is dedicated to helping students attain their highest educational potential and providing them with a firm foundation for lifelong learning. The College is committed to providing a full range of programs and support services designed to suit students' needs—whether they are recent high school graduates, international students, or the presidents of their own companies. Kapiolani Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Queen Kapiʻolani, first queen of Hawaii. -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Kapiolani Community College cost?
Kapiolani Community College's tuition is approximately $2,796 for In-State students and $7,644 for Out-State students.
What schools are Kapiolani Community College often compared to?
Kapiolani Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Honolulu Community College by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Kapiolani Community College?
Kapiolani Community College famous alumni include: Queen Kapiʻolani, first queen of Hawaii..
What is Kapiolani Community College's ranking?
Kapiolani Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Hawaii for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Kapiolani Community College located?
Kapiolani Community College is located in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu, HI.
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