- The College started as a postsecondary technical school in 1957. In 1965, the school was transferred to the University of Hawai‘i system and renamed Kapi‘olani Community College. Subsequently, the College has expanded its occupational offerings and added the Liberal Arts program, which allows students to undertake course work leading to a baccalaureate degree. It has also added the Continuing Education and Training program, which offers short-term noncredit courses.
School Highlights
Kapiolani Community College serves 6,100 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority American), which is more than the state average of 68%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 6,100 students
- In-state tuition: $2,796
- Out-state tuition: $7,644
- Student:teacher ratio: 14:1
- Minority enrollment: 72%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Kapiolani Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 443 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Kapiolani Community College
(HI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
443 staff
269 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Kapiolani Community College has declined by 5% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 has decreased from 15:1 over five years.
The Kapiolani Community College diversity score of 0.75 is less than the state average of 0.76. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,100 students
2,386 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
1,617 students
459 students
# Part-Time Students
4,483 students
1,927 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
371 students
189 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,617 students
459 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,483 students
1,927 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
40 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
38%
31%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
4%
6%
% Black
11%
14%
% White
28%
32%
% Hawaiian
12%
12%
% Two or more races
1%
2%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
5%
2%
Diversity Score
0.75
0.76
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2519%
0.2952%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3055%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,500
$34,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,796 is less than the state average of $2,815. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,644 is less than the state average of $7,663. The out-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,796
$2,815
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,644
$7,663
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
76%
76%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$9,969
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,599
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The College is located on a scenic 44-acre site in Honolulu, on the island of O‘ahu. It is next to world-renowned Diamond Head Crater, about a mile from Waikiki Beach. Besides the very popular liberal arts program, Kapi‘olani Community College is also known for strong technical, occupational and professional programs. Outreach Kapi‘olani Community College offers a large variety of non-credit programs, many of which are combined in innovative ways with departmental credit courses. National Recognition Programs including culinary studies, health sciences, emergency medical services and legal assistance have received national recognition. Kapi‘olani Community College is dedicated to helping students attain their highest educational potential and providing them with a firm foundation for lifelong learning. The College is committed to providing a full range of programs and support services designed to suit students' needs—whether they are recent high school graduates, international students, or the presidents of their own companies. Kapiolani Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Kapiolani Community College cost?
Kapiolani Community College's tuition is approximately $2,796 for In-State students and $7,644 for Out-State students.
What schools are Kapiolani Community College often compared to?
Kapiolani Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Honolulu Community College by visitors of our site.
What is Kapiolani Community College's ranking?
Kapiolani Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Hawaii for: Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Kapiolani Community College located?
Kapiolani Community College is located in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu, HI.
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