American Samoa Community College: $5,460 Tuition

$5,460Tuition

884Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,087Earnings

#1 in American SamoaPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About American Samoa Community College

American Samoa Community College serves as the educational lifeline for Pacific Islander students seeking higher education opportunities. The college enrolls 884 students in a rural-fringe setting, functioning as the territory's only accredited institution of higher learning. This community college acts as a crucial stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities on the mainland.

Students pay an average net price of $4,812 after financial aid, making higher education accessible in a region where economic opportunities are limited. Graduates earn a median of $30,087 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid earning potential given the local economy. About 67% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The low tuition burden helps students avoid crushing debt while building skills for better-paying careers.

The student body reflects the territory's demographics, with women comprising nearly 70% of enrollment and 100% of students coming from in-state. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this tight-knit academic community. With an employment rate of 89.6%, graduates find work in the local economy or use their credentials as a foundation for further education. The college operates on a semester system, providing structure familiar to students planning mainland transfers.

Academics & Faculty

American Samoa Community College serves as the territory's only accredited higher education institution, focusing on preparing Pacific Islander students for transfer to four-year universities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring in a tight-knit academic environment. With a 40% four-year graduation rate, the college emphasizes practical workforce preparation alongside transfer pathways. The school offers associate degrees in liberal arts, business, and vocational programs tailored to local economic needs. Nearly 70% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the institution's role in making higher education accessible to low-income families. Academic programs blend traditional coursework with cultural preservation, including Samoan language and Pacific studies courses that honor indigenous knowledge systems.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,087

Campus Life

This Pacific island campus sits in tropical paradise where you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. The 884 students represent 100% in-state enrollment, meaning you'll be surrounded entirely by fellow Pacific Islanders navigating higher education together. Women make up nearly 70% of the student body, creating a predominantly female academic environment.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. Weekends often blend study sessions with beach time, as Pago Pago Bay provides a stunning backdrop for campus life. Students frequently gather for cultural events celebrating Samoan traditions and Pacific Islander heritage. The rural-fringe setting means you're isolated from mainland distractions but connected to tight-knit island community life.

With 67% of students receiving Pell Grants, most classmates share similar financial backgrounds and understand the value of education. The average net price of $4,812 reflects the college's mission to keep education accessible for local families. Campus conversations mix academic goals with cultural pride, as many students plan to transfer to mainland universities while maintaining strong ties to Samoan culture.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1970

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 78°–87°F
July Avg: 77°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 128.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This community college serves as American Samoa's educational lifeline, with all 884 students coming from the territory itself. Women make up nearly 70% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in nursing, education, and business programs that appeal to local women seeking career advancement. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's crucial role serving working families across the Pacific islands. The college functions as both a stepping stone to mainland universities and a workforce development center for students who plan to build careers in their home territory.

Men: 30.5%
Women: 69.5%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 67.2%

Location

American Samoa Community College sits in Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, roughly 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii. This South Pacific territory offers a tropical island setting where students experience authentic Polynesian culture daily. The campus serves a remote island community where traditional Samoan values blend with American educational standards. Pago Pago's natural harbor creates stunning ocean views, while volcanic mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for campus life. The rural-fringe setting means students live in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Students considering colleges in American Samoa may also compare American Samoa Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799-2609

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,087
Median Earnings (5 years): $27,670
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $17,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at American Samoa Community College?

American Samoa Community College maintains open admission as the territory's only accredited higher education institution. The college serves 884 students with 100% being in-state residents, reflecting its mission to provide accessible education to Pacific Islander communities.

How much does American Samoa Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $4,812, making it highly affordable for families across income levels. About 67% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college offers institutional grants averaging $5,143 to roughly 31% of students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at American Samoa Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing personalized attention in a small college environment. The college serves as a crucial bridge to four-year universities for Pacific Islander students seeking higher education opportunities.

What are the graduation rates at American Samoa Community College?

The four-year graduation rate is nearly 40%, while the six-year rate reaches 48%. These outcomes reflect the college's role in preparing students for either workforce entry or transfer to mainland universities.

Where is American Samoa Community College located?

The college sits in Pago Pago in a rural-fringe setting on the main island of American Samoa. Women make up about 70% of the student body, higher than the national average for higher education.

Does American Samoa Community College prepare students for good careers?

Graduates earn a median of $30,087 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of nearly 90%. Founded in 1970, the college has established itself as the primary pathway for Samoan students to access higher education and professional opportunities.