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 gives you a low cost of entry with a modest payoff, and the gap between programs is wide enough that your major choice decides whether the numbers work. Net price sits near $7,400 a year, and median debt at graduation is $10,500, so you graduate owing less than one year of typical earnings. The problem is that typical earnings ten years out land under $35,000, which barely clears what a high school graduate makes in a state with one of the highest costs of living in the country.
Nursing is the one program that changes the math. Graduates earn nearly $59,000, roughly $25,000 more than the school-wide median, and the extra debt they carry is small next to that gap. If you can get into and finish the nursing track, this is a strong financial bet.
Everything else looks weaker. Vehicle maintenance, criminal justice, fire protection, and electrical installation all pay between $27,000 and $34,000. Those are steady trades, but the pay leaves little room after Hawaii housing and food costs.
The biggest risk here is the 31.6% graduation rate. Two out of three of you leave without the credential, and the payoff numbers only apply to finishers. Leaving with debt and no degree is the worst outcome, and it happens to most students who start.
Net price barely moves for lower-income families, holding near $6,700, while families above $75,000 pay closer to $12,000. If your family earns under $48,000 and you commit to nursing, this school pays off. If you are unsure of your major or shaky on finishing, the low price does not protect you from walking away with nothing.
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.