University of Hawaii Maui College: $3,284 Tuition

$3,284Tuition

1,635Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,453Earnings

#11 in HawaiiPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About University of Hawaii Maui College

This community college on Maui serves 1,635 students who come primarily for career-focused programs and island living. Nearly all students (98.49%) are Hawaii residents taking advantage of accessible higher education in paradise. The campus sits in Kahului, Maui's commercial center, where students balance academics with one of the world's most desirable locations. Women make up two-thirds of the student body (66.30%), reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs that traditionally attract female students.

In-state students pay just $3,284 in tuition, though the average net price reaches $9,421 after living expenses. Graduates earn a median of $34,453 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $13,040 manageable with monthly payments of $138. The employment rate hits 90.7%, showing that employers value the practical skills students develop here. This represents solid value for students seeking workforce preparation without mainland college costs.

The college faces retention challenges, with only half of students returning for their second year. Graduation rates of 27% reflect the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing degrees. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention for those who stay committed to their programs.

Academics & Faculty

University of Hawaii Maui College operates as a community college serving the island with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. The school focuses on career-oriented programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. However, only 27% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults and part-time students face in completing their degrees. The college is known for its culinary arts program, which takes advantage of Hawaii's tourism industry, and its Hawaiian studies courses that preserve local culture. With 98% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as an accessible stepping stone for local residents seeking affordable higher education or professional training.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.3%
Retention Rate: 50.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,453

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,020
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$39,153
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$31,848
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$26,799
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$26,715

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

This community college sits in Kahului, Maui's commercial center, where you'll need sunscreen year-round instead of winter coats. With 1,635 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel intimate and professors know your name. Nearly 99% of students come from Hawaii, creating a tight-knit island community where local culture shapes campus life.

The school draws heavily from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, with Asian students making up 32% of enrollment. Women outnumber men nearly 2-to-1 at 66%. Most students commute since this is primarily a commuter campus, but that doesn't diminish the island spirit. Weekends often involve beach trips, hiking Maui's volcanic landscapes, or participating in cultural events that blend Hawaiian traditions with modern college life. The semester system allows flexibility for students juggling work and family responsibilities common in island communities. With an employment rate of 90.7%, many students work while attending classes, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere that defines this campus.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 63°–80°F
July Avg: 71°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 58.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

University of Hawaii Maui College draws almost entirely from the local community, with 98% of students calling Hawaii home. The student body is two-thirds women, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and hospitality management that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves as a cultural crossroads where Native Hawaiian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students make up the majority. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to making higher education accessible to working families across Maui County.

Men: 33.7%
Women: 66.3%
White: 13.2%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 14.8%
Asian: 31.7%
In-State Students: 98.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.8%

Location

University of Hawaii Maui College sits in Kahului, the commercial center of Maui island. The campus is about 100 miles southeast of Honolulu across the Pacific. Kahului serves as Maui's main airport town and shipping port, giving students access to island amenities without the tourist crowds of resort areas. The Central Valley location puts students between Maui's dramatic volcanic slopes and world-famous beaches. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role serving local Hawaiian communities. The tropical setting offers year-round outdoor recreation from surfing to hiking. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare University of Hawaii Maui College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kahului, Hawaii 96732-1617

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,453
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,386
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,040

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at University of Hawaii Maui College?

The college maintains an open admission policy as a community college, welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds. With 98.49% of students coming from Hawaii, UHMC primarily serves local residents seeking affordable higher education. The 50% retention rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies.

How much does University of Hawaii Maui College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,421 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,284. Only 21.80% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families who still struggle with college costs. The median debt of $13,040 is relatively low compared to four-year institutions.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Hawaii Maui College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,635 students. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention in vocational and transfer programs. UHMC focuses on hands-on learning in fields like nursing, culinary arts, and sustainable agriculture.

What are the graduation rates at University of Hawaii Maui College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 27.30%, which is typical for community colleges serving working students and those with family obligations. Many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. The 90.7% employment rate shows that students successfully enter the workforce even without completing formal programs.

Where is University of Hawaii Maui College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Kahului, a small city that serves as Maui's commercial center near the airport. With 66.30% female enrollment and a diverse student body that is 31.74% Asian, the college reflects Maui's multicultural community. Students often balance studies with work in tourism, agriculture, or other local industries.

Does University of Hawaii Maui College prepare students for careers in Hawaii's unique economy?

Graduates earn a median of $34,453 ten years after enrollment, reflecting Hawaii's tourism-based economy and high cost of living. The college offers programs in sustainable agriculture, Hawaiian studies, and hospitality that align with island industries. Monthly loan payments average just $138, making education accessible for students planning to work locally.