UnisHub University Compass

Hawaii Community College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Hawaii Community College

Classes unfold where rainforests meet lava fields, and the island itself becomes part of the lesson. Hawai'i Community College is known for hands-on learning that pairs technical skill-building with solid academic foundations. Students find well equipped labs, shops, studios, a campus library, and quiet study nooks. Advising, tutoring, and counseling are easy to reach, with career guidance that starts early.

Campus life feels friendly and low key, with clubs, cultural gatherings, and plenty of service projects. And when classes end, the island opens up: trails above Hilo, surfable breaks, waterfalls, markets, and sky so bright you just look up. Career prep leans practical, with internships and work-based learning tied to island employers, small businesses, and public agencies. The college has a reputation for weaving Hawaiian values and place-based learning into classes and events, so students learn with community, not apart from it. Unique moments often include cultural celebrations and campuswide service days. Many students treat it as a grounded starting point before moving into local careers or further study.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1175 Manono Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Unit ID: 383190

Academic & Institutional

Control: Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation: ACCJC
Length of Study: Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Associate's - High Career & Technical, Traditional
Campus Setting: Located in a remote town (35+ miles from urbanized area)
Tuition: In-state: $3,204 (Tuition $3,144 + Fee $60) · Out-of-state: $8,340 (Tuition $8,280 + Fee $60)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 2,260
Undergraduate: 1,470
Graduate/Other: 790
Male: 866 Female: 1,394
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 246 Full-time: 169 Part-time: 77

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Hawaii Community College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Hawaii. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Hawaii vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101 Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. (Cert<2y)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $80,770 -$13,700 (-14.5%)
Security & Safety (3)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0107 Criminal Justice/Police Science. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 N/A N/A
33-3011 Bailiffs $62,180 $49,810 -$12,370 (-19.9%)
33-3021 Detectives and Criminal Investigators $98,770 $110,850 +$12,080 (+12.2%)
33-3051 Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers $79,320 $86,490 +$7,170 (+9%)
33-9021 Private Detectives and Investigators $61,680 $56,910 -$4,770 (-7.7%)
43.0203 Fire Science/Fire-fighting. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program focusing on the theory and practice of fires and fire-fighting. Includes instruction in fire chemistry and physics, combustible materials, computer science, building construction, fire codes and related laws, fire hydraulics, fire command, fire prevention/inspection, fire protection systems, fire suppression systems, fire/arson investigation, occupational safety, equipment operation, emergency medicine and communications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
33-1021 First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $97,030 $98,120 +$1,090 (+1.1%)
33-2011 Firefighters $63,890 $65,610 +$1,720 (+2.7%)
33-2021 Fire Inspectors and Investigators $87,440 N/A N/A
33-2022 Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists $61,820 N/A N/A
Mechanics (7)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0603 Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. Includes instruction in structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
13-1032 Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $77,050 N/A N/A
49-3021 Automotive Body and Related Repairers $58,830 $50,220 -$8,610 (-14.6%)
49-3022 Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $49,580 $56,150 +$6,570 (+13.3%)
51-9124 Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,610 $55,010 +$3,400 (+6.6%)
47.0605 Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
49-3031 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $62,480 $67,900 +$5,420 (+8.7%)
47.0617 High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to increase the power of diesel and automotive engines; enhance the performance of automobiles; and repair, service, and maintain high performance vehicles. Includes instruction in adding performance accessories; modifying powertrains; tuning custom engines, suspension, and exhaust systems; and using dynamometers and other diagnostic equipment.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
49-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $82,930 $82,290 -$640 (-0.8%)
49-3023 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $55,260 $56,500 +$1,240 (+2.2%)
Construction (5)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
46.0201 Carpentry/Carpenter. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. Includes instruction in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
47-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $84,500 $94,430 +$9,930 (+11.8%)
47-2031 Carpenters $64,040 $80,440 +$16,400 (+25.6%)
46.0302 Electrician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Assoc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. Includes instruction in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
47-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $84,500 $94,430 +$9,930 (+11.8%)
47-2111 Electricians $69,630 $77,850 +$8,220 (+11.8%)
49-2098 Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $60,040 $59,490 -$550 (-0.9%)
49-9097 Signal and Track Switch Repairers $84,940 N/A N/A
Business (7)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0302 Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. Includes instruction in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
13-2082 Tax Preparers $58,860 $51,650 -$7,210 (-12.2%)
43-3031 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $52,020 $50,210 -$1,810 (-3.5%)
43-3051 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $56,870 $56,740 -$130 (-0.2%)
43-4011 Brokerage Clerks $67,680 $63,940 -$3,740 (-5.5%)
43-9111 Statistical Assistants $55,470 $50,190 -$5,280 (-9.5%)
52.0401 Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to perform the duties of administrative assistants and/or secretaries and stenographers. Includes instruction in business communications, principles of business law, word processing and data entry, office machines operation and maintenance, office procedures, public relations, secretarial accounting, filing systems and records management, and report preparation.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
43-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $71,560 $63,830 -$7,730 (-10.8%)
43-4161 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $50,950 $47,890 -$3,060 (-6%)
43-6011 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $77,060 $76,740 -$320 (-0.4%)
43-6014 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $47,640 $52,920 +$5,280 (+11.1%)
52.0901 Hospitality Administration/Management, General. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to serve as general managers and directors of hospitality operations on a system-wide basis, including both travel arrangements and promotion and the provision of traveler facilities. Includes instruction in principles of operations in the travel and tourism, hotel and lodging facilities, food services, and recreation facilities industries; hospitality marketing strategies; hospitality planning; management and coordination of franchise and unit operations; business management; accounting and financial management; hospitality transportation and logistics; and hospitality industry policies and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
11-9051 Food Service Managers $72,370 $91,790 +$19,420 (+26.8%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $86,740 -$320 (-0.4%)
11-9081 Lodging Managers $77,460 $129,120 +$51,660 (+66.7%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $86,650 +$16,030 (+22.7%)
52.1401 Marketing/Marketing Management, General. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
11-2011 Advertising and Promotions Managers $149,270 $131,360 -$17,910 (-12%)
11-2021 Marketing Managers $171,520 $127,960 -$43,560 (-25.4%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $122,670 -$38,260 (-23.8%)
11-2033 Fundraising Managers $137,290 $116,990 -$20,300 (-14.8%)
13-1131 Fundraisers $73,130 $60,340 -$12,790 (-17.5%)
13-1161 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $86,480 $69,560 -$16,920 (-19.6%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $69,430 -$44,410 (-39%)
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.3801 Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. (Cert<2y)
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
25-1072 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $87,090 $98,390 +$11,300 (+13%)
29-1141 Registered Nurses $98,430 $116,290 +$17,860 (+18.1%)
Agriculture (3)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
01.0606 Plant Nursery Operations and Management. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to operate and manage outdoor plant farms, tree and shrub nurseries, and related facilities that develop domesticated plant products for propagation, harvesting, and transplantation. Includes instruction in applicable principles of plant science, farm and business management, nursery operations, equipment operation and maintenance, safety procedures, and personnel supervision.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
11-9013 Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $97,240 $70,480 -$26,760 (-27.5%)
25-1041 Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $97,790 N/A N/A
37-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $59,380 $68,590 +$9,210 (+15.5%)
37-3011 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $40,880 $44,940 +$4,060 (+9.9%)
37-3012 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $45,960 $49,660 +$3,700 (+8.1%)
45-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $63,360 $58,600 -$4,760 (-7.5%)
45-4011 Forest and Conservation Workers $42,830 N/A N/A
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0103 Information Technology. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. Includes instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $132,570 -$55,420 (-29.5%)
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $86,670 -$25,290 (-22.6%)
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $141,010 +$13,280 (+10.4%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $130,730 -$21,580 (-14.2%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $114,330 -$21,560 (-15.9%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $148,000 +$5,380 (+3.8%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $128,990 -$15,580 (-10.8%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $105,010 -$5,250 (-4.8%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $124,260 -$330 (-0.3%)
Production (2)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508 Welding Technology/Welder. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $55,100 $72,550 +$17,450 (+31.7%)
51-4122 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,270 N/A N/A
Personal Services (2)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0500 Culinary Arts and Related Services. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 12.0500 - 12.0599.

Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Hawaii Avg HI vs US
35-1011 Chefs and Head Cooks $64,720 $92,510 +$27,790 (+42.9%)
35-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $44,900 $55,540 +$10,640 (+23.7%)
35-2012 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $37,310 $51,410 +$14,100 (+37.8%)
35-2014 Cooks, Restaurant $37,730 $47,240 +$9,510 (+25.2%)
35-2019 Cooks, All Other $38,000 $38,720 +$720 (+1.9%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$16,788
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$21,924
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$3,204
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,340
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$8,248 (on) / $13,720 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,350
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,986 (on) / $5,230 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,230
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

11%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$6,806
Avg. Loan
$4,219
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,219
Additional
Students with Any Grant
177
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
7
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
138
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$3,005
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$17,946 – $52,305
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$17,946 (25th %) $52,305 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $34,891
Median Salary After 6 Years
$29,704
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$34,891
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
35.6%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
52.2%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$10,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 27.6%
Middle 52.4%
High 66.7%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 47.5%
Independent 30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Hawaii Community College

How much does it cost to attend Hawaii Community College?

The annual tuition at Hawaii Community College is $3,204 for in-state students and $8,340 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $16,788 for in-state students and $21,924 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,248 (on) / $13,720 (off) and books and supplies $1,350.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Hawaii Community College offer?

Hawaii Community College offers 49 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (7 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
  • Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (5 programs)
  • Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (5 programs)
  • Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (3 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Hawaii Community College?

Hawaii Community College provides financial aid to 11% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,806 and average loans of $4,219.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,094
  • State/Local grants: $2,851
  • Institutional grants: $3,005
  • Federal loans: $4,219

The university supports 177 students with grants and 7 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Hawaii Community College graduates?

Hawaii Community College graduates earn a median salary of $29,704 after 6 years and $34,891 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,946 (25th percentile) to $52,305 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $60,500 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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