- 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 9,059 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Asian), which is equal to the state average of 89%.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Enrollment: 9,059 students
- In-state tuition: $2,796
- Out-state tuition: $7,644
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Minority enrollment: 89%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 443 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Kapiolani Community College
(HI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
443 staff
269 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Kapiolani Community College has grown by 39% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Kapiolani Community College diversity score of 0.76 is equal to the state average of 0.76. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,059 students
3,377 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
1,764 students
695 students
# Part-Time Students
7,295 students
2,682 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
905 students
379 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,764 students
695 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,295 students
2,292 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
40 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
37%
32%
% Hispanic
12%
14%
% Black
1%
1%
% White
11%
11%
% Hawaiian
4%
6%
% Two or more races
27%
31%
% Non Resident races
6%
3%
% Unknown races
1%
2%
Diversity Score
0.76
0.76
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
27%
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
76%
76%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$9,969
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,599
Source: 2024 (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..
In what neighborhood is Kapiolani Community College located?
Kapiolani Community College is located in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu, HI.
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