At $5,194/yr net price, Kapiolani Community College graduates earn $44,599/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,599/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,194 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,599/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,599/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,229 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,189/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,150/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,773/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,374/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,491/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $81,702 | $11,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $69,338 | $11,525 |
| 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 | $9,975 |
The Risk Factor
20.4% of students at Kapiolani 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
Kapiolani Community College delivers strong financial returns if you choose the right program, but your major choice determines everything. The healthcare programs produce strong outcomes that justify the investment, while other fields fall short of breaking even.
Allied health diagnostic programs and nursing stand out with median earnings exceeding $69,000 annually. These programs command higher debt loads around $11,000, but the salary premiums make the extra borrowing worthwhile. You will find solid job demand for these skills in Honolulu's healthcare market.
The remaining programs tell a different story. Culinary arts graduates earn just $31,236 despite Hawaii's tourism industry, while accounting majors see similarly modest returns at $32,925. These earnings barely exceed what you might earn without a degree, making the time and cost investment questionable.
The school's 20% graduation rate creates significant risk. Most students who enroll never finish, meaning they face debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. This completion challenge affects all programs but hits hardest in lower-earning fields where the financial cushion is thin.
Your best financial strategy focuses on the healthcare pathway. If nursing or allied health aligns with your interests, Kapiolani offers genuine value through strong local employer connections and reasonable costs. Students pursuing other majors should consider whether a four-year degree elsewhere might deliver better long-term returns.
The low percentage receiving financial aid reflects Hawaii residents' unique funding environment, but this also means fewer students compete for available assistance. Focus your efforts on completing quickly in a high-earning program to maximize your return on this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kapiolani Community College worth the money?
Kapiolani Community College offers good value with a low net price of $5,194 per year and relatively low debt at graduation. However, the 20% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Kapiolani Community College?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with $81,702 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $69,338. These healthcare programs offer strong returns that justify the investment, while culinary arts graduates earn much less at $31,236.
How much debt do Kapiolani Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $9,229, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt combined with affordable tuition makes this a lower-risk option for students who actually complete their programs.
Do Kapiolani Community College graduates make good money?
Overall graduate earnings average $44,599 after 10 years, but this varies dramatically by program. Healthcare graduates earn well above average, while other programs may not provide strong financial returns relative to the time invested.