Hawaii Community College
About Hawaii Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Hawaii Community College teaches in Hilo, on the wet side of the Big Island, and keeps dormitories. Nursing and fire protection are among its largest programs, and it teaches Hawaiian studies and the trades side by side.
Founded
1941
Location
Hilo, Hawaii
Students
1,546
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
32.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$3,204
Out-of-state: $8,340
Avg Net Price
$8,942
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$34,891
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
32.7% complete their degree within three years
Retention
59.2%
Transfer Out
5%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
49.4%
$/Student
$15.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 32.7% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$3,204
In-State
$8,340
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,586
Books & Supplies
$1,360
Total Cost of Attendance
$15,702
After Financial Aid
$8,942
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,964
Receive Grants
28.8%
Take Loans
5.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $15,702/yr, including $11,586 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $8,942.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Hawaii Community College fund their education.
While in School
28.8%
Get Grants
Free money
5.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$14,735
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$111/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Hawaii Community College.
Gender
58.1%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,546
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
48.4%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
33.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 48.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
1,546
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Hawaii Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$34,891
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$25K
145 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$70K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Fire Protection
—
18 grads
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
—
15 grads
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
—
14 grads
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
$31K
10 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $35K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hawaii Community College
How much does Hawaii Community College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Hawaii Community College?▾
How much do Hawaii Community College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.