Hawaii Community College

Yes, Hawaii Community College offers a high affordability score and a reasonable ROI, making it a potentially good investment for in-state students, especially considering the low median debt.

The median earnings 10 years after entry are $34,891, which is moderate and should be considered alongside program-specific outcomes.

Hawaii Community College has a high affordability score of 90, indicating it is significantly more affordable than many other institutions, particularly for in-state students with tuition at $3,204.

The main drawbacks include a lower-than-average graduation rate (32.1%) and moderate median earnings after 10 years.

Data on admission selectivity is not available, making it difficult to assess how competitive it is to get accepted.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) is an open-enrollment institution, meaning it has a very high acceptance rate and is designed to be accessible to all high school graduates or GED holders in Hawaii. While an official 'acceptance rate' percentage is not published, it functions similarly to other community colleges with open admissions policies. The primary requirements typically involve submitting an application, providing high school transcripts or GED scores, and potentially taking placement tests in English and Math to determine appropriate course levels. There are no competitive academic thresholds to meet for admission. The focus is on providing educational opportunities to the local community. For prospective students, the key is to ensure all application materials are submitted by the deadlines and to be prepared for placement testing, which helps guide course selection rather than acting as a barrier to entry. This open-access model makes HawCC a welcoming option for a wide range of students.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) offers significant value, especially for residents of Hawaii. The in-state tuition is remarkably low at $3,204 per year. With a median debt of $10,500, graduates are not burdened by the crippling debt often associated with higher education. The median earnings after 10 years are $34,891. While this figure may seem modest, it represents a substantial improvement over not having a college education, particularly for those entering skilled trades or healthcare fields where HawCC excels. The ROI score of 172 indicates a strong return on investment, suggesting that the earnings potential gained from a HawCC education comfortably outweighs the cost and debt incurred. For many graduates, the debt could be paid off within 2-3 years. Considering the cost of living and the specific job market on the Big Island, HawCC provides an affordable and effective pathway to securing stable employment and improving earning potential within the local economy. It is a financially sound choice for career-focused individuals.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) excels in programs that directly feed into the local workforce needs of the Big Island. Top majors often include those in allied health fields, such as Nursing (LPN and RN pathways), Dental Assisting, and Medical Assisting, which are in high demand. Skilled trades are another strong area, with programs like Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, and Construction Technology preparing students for well-paying jobs. The Early Childhood Education program is also popular, addressing a critical need for educators. For students interested in business or technology, HawCC offers programs in Business Administration and Information Technology that provide foundational skills for entry-level roles or transfer to four-year institutions. The 'best' majors are those that align with your career interests and the current job market on the Big Island, ensuring strong employability upon graduation.

Student life at Hawaii Community College (HawCC) is centered around its Hilo campus, offering a more intimate and community-focused experience than larger universities. As a primarily commuter campus, many students balance their studies with work and family responsibilities. The campus culture is shaped by the unique environment of the Big Island, emphasizing a connection to local culture and the natural surroundings. While there are limited on-campus housing options, student activities often include cultural events, clubs related to academic programs (like culinary or automotive clubs), and opportunities to engage with the local community through service projects. The Student Activities Council plays a role in organizing events and supporting student organizations. Given its size and focus, HawCC fosters a supportive atmosphere where students can connect with faculty and peers who share similar career aspirations, often within the context of the local Hawaiian community.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options. The primary forms of aid include federal grants (like Pell Grants), state grants (Hawaii State Post-Secondary Education Grants), scholarships, and federal student loans. For the 2022-2023 academic year, approximately 70% of full-time undergraduates received some form of financial aid. The average institutional aid awarded was around $4,500, with federal grants and loans making up a significant portion of this. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal and state aid. HawCC also offers institutional scholarships, often funded by local donors and alumni, which can be applied for through the college's scholarship portal. The financial aid office provides counseling and assistance to help students navigate the application process and understand their aid packages, aiming to minimize the financial burden of attending college.

Salaries for Hawaii Community College (HawCC) graduates vary significantly by program and career path. The overall median earnings after 10 years are reported at $34,891. However, graduates from high-demand fields often see higher starting and mid-career salaries. For example, those completing the Nursing program (RN) can expect starting salaries well above $60,000 annually, increasing with experience. Graduates from skilled trades like Automotive Technology or Construction can anticipate earning $40,000-$50,000+ annually, depending on specialization and employer. Business and IT graduates might start in the $35,000-$45,000 range, with potential for growth. Early Childhood Education graduates typically earn between $30,000-$40,000. It's important to note that these figures are averages and can be influenced by factors such as employer, specific job responsibilities, additional certifications, and the overall economic conditions on the Big Island. HawCC's career services can provide more detailed salary expectations for specific programs.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) does not operate traditional on-campus dormitories or residence halls. As a primarily commuter institution located in Hilo, the majority of its students live off-campus in the surrounding community or commute from other parts of the Big Island. For students seeking housing, HawCC may offer resources or guidance on finding off-campus apartments, shared housing, or other rental options in Hilo. The college's focus is on providing academic and vocational training rather than a comprehensive residential experience. Students who require housing should explore the local rental market in Hilo or consider options near the University of Hawaii at Hilo, which does have on-campus housing, though HawCC students would typically need to arrange their own accommodations separately.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) is not primarily structured as a research institution. Its core mission is focused on providing accessible career and technical education, as well as foundational academic courses that prepare students for transfer or direct entry into the workforce. While opportunities for undergraduate research are limited compared to major universities, students in certain programs, particularly those with connections to the University of Hawaii at Hilo or local research initiatives on the Big Island (e.g., in astronomy support, environmental science, or agriculture), might find avenues for involvement. Faculty at HawCC are primarily focused on teaching and may engage in applied research related to their fields, but large-scale, externally funded research projects are not a defining characteristic of the college. Students interested in research would likely find more extensive opportunities at the University of Hawaii at Hilo or other larger university systems.

Hawaii Community College (HawCC) compares favorably to other community colleges within the University of Hawaii system, such as Kapiolani CC or Honolulu CC, particularly in its focus on serving the specific economic needs of the Big Island. While urban campuses like Kapiolani might offer a wider array of transfer options and access to a larger job market in Honolulu, HawCC provides a more localized and community-integrated experience. Its vocational programs are often tailored to industries prevalent on the Big Island, such as agriculture, tourism support, and healthcare, which may be less emphasized at other UH system campuses. Compared to mainland community colleges, HawCC's primary differentiator is its unique geographic location and the associated cultural context and lifestyle. Its tuition is highly competitive, especially for in-state students, and its median debt is significantly lower than the national average for community college graduates. The primary disadvantage compared to larger or mainland institutions is the limited geographic scope of its direct job placement and the fewer options for national transfer pathways.

Employers in Hawaii, particularly on the Big Island, generally hold a positive view of graduates from Hawaii Community College (HawCC). The college has a strong reputation for producing well-trained individuals in vocational and technical fields, as well as competent individuals in healthcare and early education. Employers value HawCC graduates for their practical skills, readiness for the workforce, and understanding of the local community and its needs. The college often works closely with local businesses and industries to ensure its curriculum remains relevant, which translates into graduates possessing the skills employers are actively seeking. While a degree from HawCC might not carry the same national brand recognition as a degree from a large university, within the Hawaiian Islands, and especially on the Big Island, it signifies a solid foundation for entry-level to mid-level positions. Employers trust that HawCC graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to their organizations.