At $5,724/yr net price, Kauai Community College graduates earn $36,868/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,868/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,724 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,868/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,868/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| 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 | $4,975/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,992/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,140/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,867/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 | $54,661 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Kauai 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
Kauai Community College offers solid returns for specific career paths but mixed results overall. The nursing program stands out financially, producing graduates who earn $54,661 annually against a total education cost under $12,000. This creates one of the strongest ROI scenarios available at any two-year college.
Your program choice determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn more than double the college median, while culinary arts majors face a tougher financial reality at $25,194 annually. The hospitality management program falls in the middle, though graduates benefit from Kauai's tourism-dependent economy where these skills command premium wages locally.
The 29% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face nearly three-in-four odds of leaving without completing your program, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement. The low debt levels help mitigate this risk, but incomplete programs still represent lost time and money.
This college works best for Hawaii residents pursuing nursing or hospitality careers who plan to stay in the islands. The nursing program provides excellent value, and hospitality skills translate directly to local job opportunities. Liberal arts students should consider whether the modest earnings justify even this affordable investment, especially if four-year transfer is the ultimate goal.
Only 24% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay the full net price. For residents, the combination of low costs and strong local employment connections in tourism and healthcare makes this a reasonable investment. Mainland students should factor in Hawaii's high living costs and limited job mobility when calculating true returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kauai Community College worth the cost?
Kauai Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,724 per year and manageable debt of $10,500. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $36,868 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Kauai Community College?
Nursing programs at Kauai Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $54,661 annually. Hospitality management follows at $38,289, while liberal arts and culinary programs pay significantly less at around $25,000-26,000.
How much debt will I have after Kauai Community College?
The median debt at Kauai Community College is $10,500, which is relatively low for higher education. With the low annual cost of $5,724, many students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Kauai Community College?
Only 29% of students graduate from Kauai Community College, which is below average even for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students may not see any return on their investment.