Hawaii Community College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Hawaii Community College offers 21 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 451 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 131 graduates), Security & Safety (2 programs, 69 graduates), Mechanics (3 programs, 61 graduates), Construction (2 programs, 38 graduates) and Business (3 programs, 35 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 131 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 131 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 69 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Science and Firefighting | 68 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43.0203 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0107 |
Mechanics (3 programs, 61 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics | 37 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0617 |
| Autobody and Collision Repair Technology | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0603 |
| Diesel Mechanics Technology | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0605 |
Construction (2 programs, 38 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 26 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
46.0302 |
| Carpentry | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
46.0201 |
Business (3 programs, 35 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant Science | 19 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0401 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0302 |
| Marketing Management | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.1401 |
Health (1 programs, 28 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 28 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
Agriculture (1 programs, 19 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Nursery Operations and Management | 19 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0606 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 19 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 19 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11.0103 |
Production (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0508 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12.0500 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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 21 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (2 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (3 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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