Hawaii Community College is a public 2-year college in Hilo, Hawaii with 1,546 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $8,514 a year after grants and graduates 35% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Hawaii Community College acceptance rate and admissions
Hawaii Community College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Hawaii Community College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $3,204 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $8,340 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,842 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $16,749 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $8,514 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $8,514 a year after grants and scholarships, $8,235 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Hawaii Community College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Hawaii Community College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 35% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $40,335 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $10,588 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 26% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Hawaii Community College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 38 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 23 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 15 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 11 | $42,929 | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Certificate | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Associate degree | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,546 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 58% women, 42% men
- 14 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Hawaii Community College?
No. Hawaii Community College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Hawaii Community College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $3,204 for in-state students and $8,340 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $8,514 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Hawaii Community College?
35% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Hawaii Community College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $40,335 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Hawaii · Hawaii Community College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.