About Leeward Community College
Students pay an average net price of $7,636 after aid, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in Hawaii. In-state tuition runs just $3,214, though the full cost of attendance reflects Hawaii's high living expenses. Graduates earn a median of $39,899 ten years after starting, which exceeds many mainland community college outcomes. Students typically graduate with $8,970 in debt and monthly loan payments of $95. The employment rate hits 84.2%, reflecting strong local job placement.
The student body is majority female (57.3%) and remarkably diverse, with Asian students comprising 35.3% and Hispanic students 16.5%. Only 19.53% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families just above federal aid thresholds. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than typical community colleges, but the graduation rate of 31.6% aligns with national community college averages.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,899
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $32,563 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $26,739 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,999 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,290 |
Campus Life
Pack sunscreen, not winter coats, Hawaii's year-round temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s. Nearly all students (99.04%) are Hawaii residents who commute from across Oahu, creating a tight-knit local community. Women make up 57.3% of enrollment, while the student body reflects Hawaii's diversity with 35.3% Asian and 16.5% Hispanic students.
Weekends often involve beach trips, hiking the nearby trails, or exploring Honolulu's food scene. The campus employment rate hits 84.2%, meaning many students balance work with studies. Social life centers around study groups, campus clubs, and the shared experience of island living. Don't expect traditional college dorms, this is a commuter school where students head home after classes.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 62°–79°F
- July Avg
- 70°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.7%
- Women
- 57.3%
- White
- 6.9%
- Black
- 2.1%
- Hispanic
- 16.5%
- Asian
- 35.3%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.5%
Location
- Address
- Pearl City, Hawaii 96782-3366
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,899
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,635
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,970
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Leeward Community College?
Leeward Community College maintains an open admissions policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or GED certificates. With 3,382 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in Hawaii. The school focuses on providing educational opportunities to local residents, with 99.04% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Leeward Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,636 annually at Leeward Community College. In-state tuition stands at just $3,214, making it one of the most affordable options in Hawaii. Only 19.53% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can manage the costs without extensive borrowing.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Leeward Community College?
The student-faculty ratio at Leeward Community College is 21:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. Founded in 1968, the college has built a reputation for practical, career-focused programs. The school operates on a semester system and serves the Pearl City area with hands-on learning opportunities.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Leeward Community College?
Leeward Community College has a 31.60% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the diverse paths community college students take. Graduates earn a median of $39,899 ten years after enrollment with an employment rate of 84.2%. The low median debt of $8,970 and monthly loan payments of just $95 make the education investment manageable for most students.
What is the campus diversity like at Leeward Community College?
Leeward Community College reflects Hawaii's multicultural population with 35.30% Asian students and 16.50% Hispanic students. Women make up 57.30% of the student body while men comprise 42.70%. The college serves as a microcosm of Hawaii's diverse communities, creating a rich cultural learning environment.
Does Leeward Community College offer strong career preparation programs?
Leeward Community College emphasizes workforce development with graduates earning $30,163 just one year after completion. The college's location in Pearl City provides access to both urban job markets and Hawaii's tourism industry. With its focus on practical skills and relatively quick entry into the workforce, the school serves students seeking immediate career advancement.
