At $6,399/yr net price, Honolulu Community College graduates earn $45,105/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,105/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,399 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,105/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,105/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,534 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,645/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,914/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,115/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,129/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,369/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $9,062 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $12,468 |
The Risk Factor
34.8% of students at Honolulu 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
Honolulu Community College gives you a low-cost path with a big split in outcomes depending on what you study. The net price sits well below what a four-year school charges, and median debt is low enough that you likely won't be buried after graduating. The catch is the 34.8% graduation rate, meaning most people who start here don't finish, and the degree only pays off if you do.
The trades are where this school earns its keep. Construction Trades graduates out-earn every other program here by a wide margin, followed by Electrical and Power Transmission and Vehicle Maintenance. These are practical certifications that match Hawaii's steady demand for skilled labor, and they clear the school's median earnings with room to spare.
The other end is stark. Cosmetology graduates earn about a sixth of what Construction Trades pays, which won't cover Honolulu's cost of living. Liberal Arts pays only slightly more and carries the highest debt of any program listed, so leaving with that associate degree and no transfer plan is the weakest financial move you can make here.
The main risk is completion. If you drop out, you get the debt without the credential, and low as the debt is, it buys you nothing without the degree. Pick a program with a clear earnings payoff before enrolling.
This school fits you if you want a trades certification and plan to work in Hawaii. If your family earns under $30k, your net price drops to the lowest tier, making the trades path an easy financial win. Families over $110k pay nearly triple that, which still beats a four-year college but changes the math. If you want a liberal arts degree without transferring to a bachelor's program, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honolulu Community College worth the money?
Honolulu Community College offers strong value for skilled trades programs like construction and electrical work, which earn $52,000-$75,000 annually. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning, and liberal arts graduates earn only $30,000 per year.
What are the best paying programs at Honolulu Community College?
Construction trades graduates from Honolulu Community College earn $75,000 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Electrical and power transmission programs also pay well at $52,000, while cosmetology graduates earn just $12,500.
How much debt do Honolulu Community College students graduate with?
Honolulu Community College graduates typically have $7,500 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With the low annual cost of $6,400, most students can minimize borrowing if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Honolulu Community College?
Only 35% of students graduate from Honolulu Community College within the expected timeframe. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a credential, making program selection and academic preparation critical.