At $7,369/yr net price, Hawaii Community College graduates earn $34,891/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $891/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,369 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,891/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$891/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 33.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,690/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,798/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,164/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,128/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,324/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,673 | $12,878 |
| 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 | $9,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $17,846 |
The Risk Factor
31.6% of students at Hawaii Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Hawaii Community College delivers solid ROI for career-focused students, but only if you choose the right program and actually graduate. With a net price of $7,369 annually and relatively low debt loads, the financial risk stays manageable for most students.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $58,673 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt at $12,878. This program essentially pays for itself within the first year after graduation. Vehicle maintenance offers decent returns at $33,993, particularly valuable given Hawaii's isolated location and constant need for skilled mechanics.
The major red flag is the 31% graduation rate. You face significant risk of spending money and time without completing your program. Criminal justice, fire protection, and electrical programs show weaker earnings potential below $30,000 annually, which may not justify even the modest costs given Hawaii's high living expenses.
This school works best if you're committed to nursing or automotive repair and can handle the academic demands to actually finish. The low percentage of students receiving aid (31%) suggests limited need-based assistance, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Skip Hawaii Community College if you're uncertain about your major choice or struggle with academic persistence. The combination of moderate completion rates and location-specific job market means you need clear career goals. Consider this school primarily as a stepping stone to Hawaii's nursing shortage or if you want automotive skills in a state where car repair commands premium prices due to geographic isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii Community College worth the cost?
Hawaii Community College offers reasonable value at $7,369 per year with low debt levels of $10,500. However, the 32% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $34,891 after 10 years are modest outside of nursing programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Hawaii Community College?
Nursing programs at Hawaii Community College lead to the strongest earnings at $58,673 annually. Vehicle maintenance and electrical installer programs also provide decent returns, while criminal justice and fire protection programs result in lower wages around $29,685.
How much debt do Hawaii Community College students typically graduate with?
Hawaii Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low net price of $7,369 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Hawaii Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate from Hawaii Community College, which is significantly below national averages. This low completion rate means many students leave without a degree and may still carry debt.