Hawaii Community College: $3,204 Tuition

$3,204Tuition

1,470Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,891Earnings

#7 in HawaiiPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Hawaii Community College

Students on Hawaii's Big Island have turned to this community college for practical career training since 1941. Hawaii Community College serves 1,470 students in Hilo, focusing on programs that match the island's unique economy and geography. The college has built a strong reputation for its automotive technology, nursing, and hospitality programs that prepare graduates for local job markets.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. Average net price hits $7,369, but families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,690 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,891 ten years after starting college, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $10,500. Monthly loan payments average $111, making this an affordable path to steady employment. The 86.6% employment rate shows most graduates find work quickly.

Women make up 58.3% of students, and the student body reflects Hawaii's diversity with significant Asian, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian populations. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students well. Campus housing serves just 47 students, so most commute from around the Hilo area.

Academics & Faculty

Hawaii Community College serves 1,470 students with a strong focus on career-oriented programs that match Big Island job markets. The school offers popular programs in nursing, culinary arts, and automotive technology that directly connect to local employment opportunities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. The 31.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. The college emphasizes practical skills training over traditional academics. Many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce immediately after completing certificate and associate degree programs. Agriculture and hospitality management programs take advantage of Hawaii's unique location and economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,891

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$58,673
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$33,993
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Fire Protection.	Associate	$29,685
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$27,397
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$26,739
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$23,456
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,687
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$17,846

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

This Big Island campus sits 200 miles from Honolulu in Hilo, a small town surrounded by rainforests and active volcanoes. Just 3.2% of the 1,470 students live in the tiny 47-bed residence hall, so most commute from nearby neighborhoods or family homes. The campus feels intimate with its 14:1 student-faculty ratio spread across technical labs and tropical courtyards.

Hilo gets over 120 inches of rain annually, making it one of the wettest cities in America. Students pack light rain jackets year-round but rarely need heavy coats in the consistent 70-80 degree temperatures. With 97.7% of students from Hawaii, weekends often mean beach trips to nearby Laupahoehoe or hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park just 45 minutes away. The campus buzzes with programs in automotive technology, culinary arts, and Hawaiian studies. Students frequently surf at Richardson's Beach Park or explore the famous Rainbow Falls downtown. The strong Native Hawaiian population of 19.73% Asian students helps maintain authentic island culture throughout campus life.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 47 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1941

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 61°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 346.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Hawaii Community College draws overwhelmingly from local families, with 98% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects Hawaii's diverse population, bringing together Native Hawaiian, Asian, Hispanic, and white students in roughly equal proportions. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, which aligns with the school's strong programs in healthcare and education. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable career training. The tight-knit campus of 1,470 students creates a supportive environment where local students can build skills without leaving their island home.

Men: 41.7%
Women: 58.3%
White: 15.2%
Black: 1.2%
Hispanic: 19.7%
Asian: 14.2%
In-State Students: 97.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.9%

Location

Hawaii Community College sits in Hilo on the Big Island, roughly 200 miles from Honolulu. The campus serves a town of about 45,000 residents on the island's eastern coast. Hilo receives over 120 inches of rain annually, creating lush tropical surroundings near Mauna Kea and active volcanoes. The area offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and black sand beaches within driving distance. Over 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role serving local Hawaiian communities. The remote island setting means limited job markets but strong connections to tourism, agriculture, and natural resource industries. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare Hawaii Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hilo, Hawaii 96720-5096

Hawaii Community College at Hilo-Entrance

Hawaii Community College at Hilo-Courtyard

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,891
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,206
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment like at Hawaii Community College?

Hawaii Community College serves 1,470 students with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The college attracts primarily local students, with 97.70% coming from in-state, reflecting its role as a community-focused institution serving Big Island residents.

How much does Hawaii Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,369 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at just $3,204. Low-income students earning under $30,000 pay even less at $6,690 net price, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in Hawaii.

What programs is Hawaii Community College known for?

The college has operated since 1941 as a community college focused on career preparation and transfer programs. With its location in Hilo, the school emphasizes hands-on learning and serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.

What are the job prospects after attending Hawaii Community College?

Graduates earn a median of $34,891 ten years after enrollment, with an 86.6% employment rate. The relatively low median debt of $10,500 means graduates face manageable monthly loan payments of just $111, making their education investment more sustainable.

Does Hawaii Community College have on-campus housing?

The college has very limited housing with only 47 beds available on campus. Most of the 1,470 students commute from the local Hilo area, which aligns with the community college model of serving nearby residents rather than drawing students from across the state.

How diverse is the student body at Hawaii Community College?

The student population reflects Hawaii's unique demographics, with 19.73% Hispanic students, 15.17% White students, and 14.22% Asian students. Women make up 58.30% of enrollment, which is typical for community colleges that often attract more female students seeking career changes or continuing education.