About Windward Community College
Students pay an average net price of $7,533, which drops to $6,687 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $38,439 ten years after starting college, though the 29% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer before completing their associate degree. Monthly loan payments average just $101, and median debt sits at a manageable $9,500. The employment rate of 85% indicates strong job placement for those entering the workforce directly.
The student body reflects Hawaii's diversity, with Asian students comprising 13% and Hispanic students nearly 19% of enrollment. Only 13% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working-class families that fall just above federal poverty thresholds. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in this close-knit island setting.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 54.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,439
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $27,488 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,962 |
Campus Life
Nearly all students (96%) are Hawaii residents who commute to campus daily. The college doesn't offer housing, so weekends often mean beach time at nearby Kailua or hiking the Ko'olau Mountains. Many students work part-time since 85% find employment after graduation with median earnings starting at $32,905. The suburban Kaneohe setting provides easy access to both outdoor adventures and urban amenities. Students often transfer to University of Hawaii four-year campuses after completing their associate degrees. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making this an affordable stepping stone for students planning to continue their education.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1972
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 64°–77°F
- July Avg
- 71°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 152.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 32.9%
- Women
- 67.1%
- White
- 13.4%
- Black
- 0.8%
- Hispanic
- 18.9%
- Asian
- 12.6%
- In-State Students
- 96.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.2%
Location
- Address
- Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744-3528
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,439
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $36,297
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Windward Community College?
Windward Community College maintains an open admissions policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have graduated from high school or earned a GED. The college serves 1,109 students and acts as a gateway to four-year universities within the University of Hawaii system. With 96.44% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves local Hawaiian communities.
How much does Windward Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,533 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at $3,194 and out-of-state at $8,330. Only 13.21% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low for a community college. Those who do borrow graduate with a median debt of just $9,500 and monthly loan payments around $101.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Windward Community College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, which is typical for a community college setting. Classes tend to be larger than at four-year institutions, but the college focuses on providing foundational coursework and transfer preparation. The semester calendar system allows students to progress steadily toward their academic goals.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Windward Community College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $38,439 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 85.3%. Early career earnings start at $32,905 one year after graduation and rise to $36,297 after five years. The college's role as a transfer institution means many students continue their education rather than immediately entering the workforce.
Where is Windward Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Kaneohe, Hawaii, in a suburban setting that provides access to both urban amenities and natural beauty. With 67.09% women and 32.91% men, the student body reflects the diverse demographics of Hawaii, including 18.85% Hispanic and 12.62% Asian students. The suburban location offers students a quieter alternative to the bustle of Honolulu while remaining connected to the broader University of Hawaii system.
Does Windward Community College have a good graduation rate?
The six-year graduation rate is 29.40%, which reflects the nature of community college students who often attend part-time or transfer before completing their degree. Founded in 1972, the college has established itself as a stepping stone for students seeking to transfer to four-year institutions. Many students successfully transfer to other University of Hawaii campuses before earning an associate degree here.
