Palau Community College: $3,730 Tuition

$3,730Tuition

386Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,898Earnings

#1 in PWPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Palau Community College

Palau Community College serves as the only higher education institution in this Pacific island nation of just 18,000 people. The college enrolls 386 students who come entirely from within Palau's borders. Students benefit from remarkably small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The institution plays a crucial role in training the local workforce for careers in tourism, marine science, and business administration. Its programs reflect Palau's unique position as a diving destination and marine sanctuary.

Students pay an average net price of $2,810 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college experiences anywhere. Nearly three-quarters of students (72%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the economic realities of this developing nation. Graduates earn a median of $29,898 ten years after enrollment. While those earnings might seem modest by mainland standards, they represent solid middle-class income in Palau's economy. The college keeps costs low with affordable room and board at just $3,381.

The student body tilts slightly female at 56%, and housing capacity of 116 beds means about 30% of students can live on campus. The 34% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing education with family and work responsibilities in a small island economy where every person's contribution matters to the community.

Academics & Faculty

Palau Community College serves as the Pacific nation's primary higher education institution, offering vocational training and transfer programs to its 386 students. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in a close-knit island setting. The college focuses heavily on marine science, hospitality management, and business programs that align with Palau's tourism-driven economy. Students can pursue associate degrees or certificates in areas like automotive technology and nursing. The 34% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and family obligations in a small island community. Programs emphasize practical skills needed in Palau's workforce, from dive instruction to office administration.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 76.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,898

Campus Life

Palau Community College sits on a tropical Pacific island where you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. With only 386 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know most of your classmates by name. About 30% of students live in the campus housing that accommodates 116 residents, creating a tight-knit dormitory community.

The college serves as Palau's only higher education institution, drawing 100% of its students from local islands. Weekend activities center around the ocean, with students often diving, fishing, or exploring Palau's world-famous coral reefs. The campus culture reflects traditional Palauan values mixed with American educational systems. Students frequently participate in cultural events and community service projects across Koror. With 72% of students receiving financial aid and an average net price of $2,810, the college remains accessible to local families. The small size means limited extracurricular options, but students often create informal study groups and social gatherings that blend academic and island life seamlessly.

Housing Capacity: 116 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 76°–88°F
July Avg: 76°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 144.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Palau Community College serves as the educational lifeline for the Republic of Palau, with all 386 students coming from within the island nation. The student body is 72% Pell Grant recipients, reflecting the college's mission to provide affordable higher education to local families. Women make up 56% of enrollment, drawn to the school's strong programs in education and health sciences that address critical workforce needs across Palau's outer islands. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this tight-knit academic community where students often know each other from childhood.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 0.3%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 3.6%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 72.0%

Location

Palau Community College sits in Koror, the former capital and commercial heart of Palau, a Pacific island nation about 500 miles east of the Philippines. The campus serves all 386 students from within Palau's borders, with 100% in-state enrollment reflecting the country's small size. Koror remains Palau's largest city and economic center despite the capital moving to Ngerulmud. The tropical setting features pristine coral reefs and diving sites that attract tourists worldwide. Students live surrounded by turquoise waters and lush island landscapes. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment typical of small island institutions. Students considering colleges in Palau may also compare Palau Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Koror, PW 96940

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,898

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Palau Community College?

Palau Community College serves exclusively local students, with 100% of its 386 enrolled students coming from in-state. The college operates as an open-access institution typical of Pacific island community colleges, focusing on serving the educational needs of Palau's small population.

How much does Palau Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Palau Community College is $2,810, making it highly affordable for local families. About 72% of students receive financial aid, with those from families earning under $48,000 paying even less at around $2,000 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Palau Community College?

Palau Community College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its small island setting. The college focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation programs essential for Palau's developing economy.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Palau Community College?

The college has a 34% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median of $29,898 ten years after enrollment. These outcomes reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of education in a small Pacific island nation with limited economic diversity.

Does Palau Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 116 students at $3,381 per year, which is particularly valuable given Koror's limited rental market. This housing capacity serves about 30% of the total enrollment, supporting students from Palau's outer islands.

What makes Palau Community College unique among Pacific institutions?

As Palau's only higher education institution, the college serves a student body that is 56% women and includes significant Asian populations at 3.6%, reflecting the nation's diverse cultural heritage. The college plays a crucial role in preserving Palauan culture while preparing students for both local careers and transfer to four-year universities abroad.