At $7,533/yr net price, Windward Community College graduates earn $38,439/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,439/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,533 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,439/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,439/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,687/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,976/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,388/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,830/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,719/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $27,488 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,962 | $11,384 |
The Risk Factor
29.4% of students at Windward 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
Windward Community College offers weak financial returns with median earnings of $38,439 ten years after enrollment and a concerning 29% graduation rate. The low completion rate means most students leave without a credential, making the modest $7,533 annual cost a poor investment for many.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Veterinary and animal health technology programs lead to earnings of just $27,488, which barely justifies even the low cost of attendance. Liberal arts graduates earn $24,962 while carrying $11,384 in debt, creating a particularly poor return on investment. These earnings figures fall well below Hawaii's cost of living, where median household income exceeds $80,000.
The school's location in Hawaii creates specific financial risks. Limited local job opportunities mean you may need to relocate to the mainland for better-paying work, adding relocation costs that erode any savings from the low tuition. The state's high cost of living also means your post-graduation earnings stretch less than they would elsewhere.
Windward makes financial sense only if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements at a lower cost. The 13% financial aid rate suggests most students pay full price, though the low sticker price makes this manageable for in-state residents.
Skip this school if you need career training that leads directly to employment. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earnings outcomes, and Hawaii's expensive job market creates poor financial prospects. Consider mainland community colleges with stronger job placement rates and higher-paying regional employers instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windward Community College worth the cost compared to other Hawaii schools?
Windward Community College offers a low net price of $7,533 per year, but graduates earn only $38,439 annually after 10 years. The low cost helps offset weak earnings, though many students don't graduate at all with only a 29% completion rate.
What programs at Windward Community College have the best return on investment?
The Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies program leads earnings at $27,488 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn $24,962. Both programs still produce below-average earnings despite the school's affordable tuition.
How much student debt do Windward Community College graduates typically have?
Windward Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable given the school's low tuition costs. However, the relatively low post-graduation earnings make even this modest debt burden concerning for some graduates.
Does Windward Community College provide good financial aid to students?
With a net price of $7,533 after aid, Windward Community College is affordable for most Hawaii residents. The combination of low sticker price and available financial aid makes it accessible, though students should consider the low graduation rates before enrolling.