- 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
Hawaii Community College serves 2,289 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is lower than the state community college average of 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the state average of 88%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,289 students
- In-state tuition: $2,870
- Out-state tuition: $7,718
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Minority enrollment: 84%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Hawaii Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 90 teachers has declined by 64% over five years.
Hawaii 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
90 staff
65 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
5
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Hawaii Community College has declined by 5% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Hawaii Community College diversity score of 0.77 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,289 students
2,375 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
33:1
# Full-Time Students
750 students
510 students
# Part-Time Students
1,539 students
1,865 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
114 students
309 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
750 students
510 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,539 students
2,191 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
40 students
40 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
19%
32%
% Hispanic
19%
15%
% Black
1%
1%
% White
16%
12%
% Hawaiian
7%
6%
% Two or more races
36%
30%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
1%
2%
Diversity Score
0.77
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
31%
28%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,300
$34,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,870 is more than the state average of $2,815. The in-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,718 is more than the state average of $7,663. The out-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,870
$2,815
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,718
$7,663
Tuition Notes
$131 per credit for Hawaiʻi residents, $345 per credit for non-residents
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
73%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,969
$9,969
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$5,599
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
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: Diversity in US community colleges.
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