About Kapiolani Community College
Most students pay around $5,194 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in Hawaii. Graduates earn a median of $44,599 ten years after starting, while typical student debt sits at just $9,229. The monthly loan payment averages only $98, and 92% of graduates find employment. With in-state tuition at $3,284, local students get strong value for career training or university transfer preparation.
The college operates on a semester system with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention. About 90% of students come from Hawaii, creating a tight-knit island community. However, the 20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and studies. Only 17% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many come from families with moderate incomes.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,599
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $81,702 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $69,338 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,565 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $32,925 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $31,236 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $29,141 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,548 |
Campus Life
With 64.88% women and strong representation from Hawaii's diverse communities, including 36.81% Asian students, the campus reflects the islands' multicultural spirit. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. Since this is a commuter campus without dorms, 90.08% of students are Hawaii residents who often gather at the campus center between classes or head to nearby beaches after school. Many students balance coursework with part-time work, reflected in the high 91.8% employment rate. Weekend activities typically involve the ocean, hiking Diamond Head crater, or exploring Honolulu's food scene.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 66°–80°F
- July Avg
- 74°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.1%
- Women
- 64.9%
- White
- 9.2%
- Black
- 1.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 36.8%
- In-State Students
- 90.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.0%
Location
- Address
- Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4421
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,599
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,372
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $98/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,229
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Kapiolani Community College?
Kapiolani Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 3,955 students and focuses on providing accessible education with strong support for Native Hawaiian culture and values. With 90.08% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves local Hawaii residents.
How much does Kapiolani Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,194 annually, with in-state tuition at $3,284 and out-of-state at $8,420. Only 17.02% of students receive federal aid, reflecting Hawaii's unique economic situation where many families fall outside traditional aid brackets. Graduates typically leave with just $9,229 in debt and monthly loan payments of $98.
What academic programs is Kapiolani Community College known for?
The college excels in nursing, culinary arts, and liberal arts transfer preparation, operating on a semester system. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small and personalized. The curriculum emphasizes Native Hawaiian culture and values while preparing students for either workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Kapiolani Community College?
Graduates achieve a strong 91.8% employment rate with median earnings of $44,599 ten years after graduation. The 20.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college model where many students attend part-time or take breaks. Located in Honolulu's large city setting, graduates benefit from Hawaii's tourism and healthcare job markets.
What is the student body like at Kapiolani Community College?
The student population of 3,955 is 64.88% female and reflects Hawaii's diverse demographics with 36.81% Asian students and 11.81% Hispanic students. Only 9.18% of students are white, making this one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in America. The large city campus serves primarily local students with strong ties to Hawaiian communities.
How does Kapiolani Community College support Native Hawaiian culture?
Founded in 1946, the college integrates Native Hawaiian culture and values throughout its curriculum and campus life. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,189 net price, making education accessible to local Hawaiian families. The college's location in Honolulu allows students to stay connected to their cultural roots while pursuing higher education.
