Hawaii Community College
- The mission of Hawai'i Community College is to provide the community with a responsive educational environment that empowers learners to develop skills and to be responsible and productive in a complex world.
School Highlights
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 2,430 students
- In-state tuition: $2,870
- Out-state tuition: $7,718
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 90%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Hawaii Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
School Overview

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School Notes
- The forerunner of the College was the Hawai'i Vocational School, established in 1941 by an act of the Territorial Legislature. Its prime responsibility was to provide vocational education for the youth of the island of Hawai'i. Trade programs offered when the school opened were Automotive Mechanics, Carpentry, Dressmaking, Machine Shop, and Sheet Metal & Welding. The period following World War II saw the growth of new programs designed to meet the expanding needs of business and industry. In 1947, a Diesel Mechanics program was started. Architectural Drafting began in 1951; Food Service in 1952; and Electricity in1955. In 1956, with the advancement in technology and the expansion of educational opportunities into broader fields of technical training; the institution was renamed the Hawai'i Technical School. New programs were added later, Business Education 1958, and the Automotive Body Repair & Painting, Electronics, and Practical Nursing programs in 1966. Hawai'i Community College offers over 30 Degree, Certificate, and Non-credit programs. Students can choose to begin a 4-year baccalaureate degree, and save 25-60% on in-state tuition costs by taking undergraduate liberal arts courses offered here. These general and pre-professional students may earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. Career and technical majors may earn an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), an Associate in Technical Studies (A.T.S.), or a Certificate of Achievement (C.A.) in one of the 20 career and technical programs. Certificates of Completion (C.C.) are also available in Nurse's Aide, Residential Care Home Operator, Hotel Operations, Human Services and Food Services. A variety of non-credit programs, supported by the College, are offered through the Office of Continuing Education. Hawaii Community College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hawaii Community College cost?
Hawaii Community College's tuition is approximately $2,870 for In-State students and $7,718 for Out-State students.
What schools are Hawaii Community College often compared to?
Hawaii Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Honolulu Community College by visitors of our site.
What is Hawaii Community College's ranking?
Hawaii Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Hawaii for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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