Honolulu Community College: $3,174 Tuition

$3,174Tuition

1,897Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,105Earnings

#4 in HawaiiPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Honolulu Community College

This century-old institution has evolved from a technical training center into Hawaii's top community college for hands-on career preparation. With 1,897 students spread across Honolulu's urban campus, the college specializes in automotive technology, culinary arts, and construction trades that serve the islands' unique economy. The school maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized instruction in specialized labs and workshops.

Students pay an average net price of $6,399 after aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training in Hawaii. Graduates earn a median of $45,105 within ten years, though earnings jump in the first year after graduation to $67,264. With typical debt loads of just $7,534 and monthly loan payments around $80, the financial burden remains manageable for most students.

The student body reflects Hawaii's diversity, with Asian students comprising 35.69% and Hispanic students 15.45% of enrollment. Men outnumber women at nearly 64%, typical for a college emphasizing trades and technical fields. About 91% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community of local residents preparing for careers that directly serve Hawaii's economy.

Academics & Faculty

Honolulu Community College builds careers in technical fields that power Hawaii's economy. The school trains students for aviation maintenance, automotive technology, and culinary arts programs that directly feed into the state's tourism and transportation industries. With nearly 1,900 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for hands-on learning in specialized labs and workshops. The 35% graduation rate reflects the challenge many working students face balancing jobs with school, though those who complete programs often see immediate employment benefits. Men make up 64% of enrollment, drawn largely to the college's trade and technical certificate programs that prepare graduates for Hawaii's skilled workforce needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 64.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,105

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Construction Trades, General.	Associate	$74,747
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$52,107
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$43,798
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$29,685
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Associate	$12,468

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Honolulu Community College experience island life in one of America's most diverse educational settings. Asian students make up 35.69% of enrollment, while Hispanic students represent 15.45%, creating a multicultural atmosphere that reflects Hawaii's melting pot heritage. The urban Honolulu campus puts students minutes from world-famous beaches like Waikiki, where many spend weekends surfing, snorkeling, or simply soaking up year-round sunshine.

With 91.48% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as a local center where Hawaii residents pursue technical training and transfer preparation. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in programs ranging from culinary arts to automotive technology. Men outnumber women at 63.84% to 36.16%, largely due to the college's strong emphasis on trade and technical programs. Students rarely need winter coats but always pack sunscreen for outdoor study sessions and beach volleyball games between classes. The semester system allows flexibility for students juggling work and family responsibilities common in Hawaii's tight-knit communities.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1920

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Arson	1	7
Dating Violence	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	0
Robbery	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 63°–76°F
July Avg: 69°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 151.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Most students at Honolulu Community College come from Hawaii, with 91% being in-state residents. The student body is heavily male, with nearly two-thirds men reflecting the college's strong emphasis on trades and technical programs. Asian students make up the largest ethnic group at 36%, followed by Hispanic students at 15%, mirroring Hawaii's diverse demographics. Only 17% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college serves a mix of working-class and middle-income families. This community college draws locals seeking practical skills training rather than attracting students from the mainland.

Men: 63.8%
Women: 36.2%
White: 7.7%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 15.5%
Asian: 35.7%
In-State Students: 91.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.2%

Location

Honolulu Community College sits in Hawaii's capital city on the island of Oahu. The campus serves a metropolitan area of nearly one million residents. Students attend classes just miles from world-famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head crater. The tropical setting offers year-round outdoor activities, from surfing to hiking volcanic ridges. Hawaii's isolated location in the Pacific Ocean creates a unique multicultural environment. Asian students make up 35.69% of enrollment, reflecting the state's diverse population. The high cost of living affects student budgets, with out-of-state tuition reaching $8,310 annually. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare Honolulu Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Honolulu, Hawaii 96817-4505

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,105
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,379
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $80/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,534

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Honolulu Community College?

As a community college, Honolulu Community College maintains an open admission policy for most programs. The school serves 1,897 students with 91.48% coming from Hawaii. Founded in 1920, it provides accessible higher education opportunities in urban Honolulu.

How much does Honolulu Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,399 annually at Honolulu Community College. In-state tuition runs $3,174 while out-of-state students pay $8,310. Only 17.24% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's already affordable pricing structure.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Honolulu Community College?

Classes average 18 students per faculty member at Honolulu Community College. The school operates on a semester calendar system. This ratio allows for reasonable class sizes while maintaining the efficient operations typical of community colleges.

What are typical career outcomes for Honolulu Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $45,105 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 83.7% for former students. With median debt of just $7,534, graduates face manageable monthly loan payments of $80.

What is the campus environment like at Honolulu Community College?

The student body is 63.84% male and reflects Hawaii's diversity with 35.69% Asian students and 15.45% Hispanic students. Only 7.70% of students are white, making it one of the most diverse colleges in America. The urban Honolulu setting provides city opportunities alongside island culture.

Does Honolulu Community College have strong completion rates?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 34.80%, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer or attend part-time. Nearly half of borrowers successfully repay their loans at a 49.09% rate. The school's focus remains on career training and transfer preparation rather than traditional four-year completion metrics.