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
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.
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Hawaii
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
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 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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