Kapiolani Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,420
In-state $3,284
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,914
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
20.4%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 31.1%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Kapiolani Community College, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is known for its vibrant learning environment and commitment to student success. Established in 1907, it is part of the University of Hawaii system and offers a diverse range of academic programs. The college emphasizes a student-centered approach, providing a supportive atmosphere where individuals from various backgrounds can thrive. With a strong focus on liberal arts, health sciences, and culinary arts, Kapiolani Community College prepares students for both further education and immediate employment opportunities. The college's culinary program, in particular, is highly regarded and has gained national recognition for its excellence.
The campus is situated near the stunning Diamond Head and offers breathtaking views and a pleasant climate, enhancing the overall student experience. The college boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, a library with extensive resources, and spaces for collaborative learning. In addition to academics, Kapiolani Community College has a rich campus culture that encourages participation in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, student clubs, and community service initiatives. The college's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a sense of belonging among students, making it a welcoming place for learning and personal growth. With a strong network of support services, students are well-equipped to succeed in their academic pursuits and future careers.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Kapiolani Community College
The data from Kapiolani Community College reveals several significant trends that are worth discussing. One of the most striking observations is the steady increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for in-state undergraduates rose from $2,604 to $3,284, representing a 26% increase, while out-of-state tuition increased from $7,356 to $8,420, a rise of 14.5%. This consistent upward trend in tuition reflects the broader national challenge of rising higher education costs, which can deter prospective students and exacerbate student debt burdens.
Moreover, the student population has experienced a notable decline over the same period. The number of undergraduate students dropped from 8,892 in 2013 to just 5,828 in 2023, a decrease of approximately 34%. This decline raises concerns about student retention and recruitment strategies. Coupled with the decreasing male-to-female ratio among undergraduates, where male enrollment fell from 43.1% in 2014 to just 33.8% in 2023, it suggests a need for targeted interventions to engage and retain male students.
Another critical metric is the graduation rates, which have shown some improvement. The on-time graduation rate rose from 3.8% in 2013 to 8.9% in 2023, while the 150% graduation rate increased from 16.9% to 25.2% over the same period. This positive trend indicates that the college may be successfully implementing programs that support student completion, although the overall rates remain low and highlight ongoing challenges.
Finally, the student retention rate has fluctuated but shows a concerning downward trend from 73% in 2013 to about 65% in 2023. This decline in retention signifies that students may be facing challenges that affect their ability to continue their education, warranting further investigation into student support services and engagement strategies.
In conclusion, while Kapiolani Community College has made strides in graduation rates, the rising tuition, declining enrollment, and retention rates signal an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to enhance student experience and accessibility. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure the institution's sustainability and success in the long term.
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Honolulu
- Nearest international airport
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), about 9 mi
- Also known as
- Kapiolani CC / KapCC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Misaki Takabayashi, PhD (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 8087349000
- Address
- 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816-4421
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Kapiolani Community College
The graduation data from Kapiolani Community College for 2023 reveals some notable trends across various fields of study. Firstly, the Liberal Arts and Sciences program stands out with the highest number of associate degree graduates, totaling 308 students. This figure represents approximately 37.7% of all associate graduates, indicating a strong interest in foundational education and broad knowledge that can be applicable in a variety of career paths.
In contrast, the Health and Medical-related programs, despite their significance in today's job market, show modest graduation numbers, with only a combined total of 66 associate graduates across several disciplines. This may reflect the rigorous nature of health-related studies, which often require more extensive training and commitment. Interestingly, none of these programs reported any graduates at the bachelor's, master's, or doctorate levels, suggesting a potential gap in advanced training opportunities within this critical field.
Furthermore, the presence of international students is notable in the associate programs, particularly in Liberal Arts and Culinary Arts, where international graduates account for about 12.0% and 16.0% respectively. This could point to Kapiolani's diverse and inclusive environment that attracts students from around the globe, enhancing the college's cultural richness.
Overall, while the college demonstrates strength in its associate degree offerings, there is a clear opportunity for growth in advanced degree programs, especially in high-demand areas like healthcare. As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, Kapiolani Community College may benefit by expanding its curriculum to include more bachelor's and master's degree options to better prepare its students for the future job market.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $38,988 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist Assistant. | $45,023 | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $45,023 | |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $74,567-$89,024 | |
| Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist. | $74,567-$89,024 | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $74,567-$89,024 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $102,229 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | $33,475 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General. | $40,197 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Native American Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Communications, Other. | - |
Students
5,914 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 63.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,395
- First-year undergraduates 359
- Transfers and others 3,160
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,914)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Kapiolani Community College in 2023
The data for Kapiolani Community College in 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding the composition of its student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are a total of 909 students, with a notable majority of 62.6% being female and only 37.4% male. This trend continues with the undergraduate seniors, where the female representation rises to 65.5% out of 2,405 students, indicating an overall pattern of higher female enrollment in undergraduate programs.
The undergraduate transfer students also reflect this gender imbalance, with 69.2% being female and 30.8% male among 549 students. This could suggest various factors influencing the gender disparity, such as societal trends in education or the appeal of certain programs to different genders.
Additionally, the overall population of graduate students is significant, with 1,965 individuals, though specific gender ratios were not provided. The absence of detailed demographic breakdowns for some categories raises questions about diversity and representation, particularly among ethnic groups.
The data highlights a continuing trend in higher education where female students outnumber male students, particularly in community colleges. This phenomenon may be attributed to a variety of factors, including changing societal roles, increased access to education for women, and perhaps a shift in career aspirations. As institutions strive for inclusivity and representation, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for addressing the needs of all students effectively.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Kapiolani Community College
The age composition of students at Kapiolani Community College reflects a diverse range of young adults, with the majority falling into the under-18 and 18-19 age brackets. This points to a strong influx of recent high school graduates, indicative of the institution's appeal to younger learners. Specifically, students under 18 comprise approximately 32.0% of the total student body, while those aged 18-19 represent 40.0%.
As we examine older age groups, the numbers gradually decline, with a notable drop in enrollment for those aged 30 and above. For instance, students aged 30-34 make up about 10.5% of the total, while those aged 50-64 account for only 5.4%. This trend mirrors national statistics in higher education, where younger students tend to dominate community college enrollments.
The absence of graduate students in this dataset suggests that Kapiolani Community College primarily serves as an entry point for undergraduate education rather than as a destination for those seeking advanced degrees. The gender distribution also appears to favor female students, who consistently outnumber their male counterparts across all age categories, reaching a female-to-male ratio of approximately 2:1 in the under-18 category.
Overall, the data presents a snapshot of Kapiolani Community College as a vibrant learning environment for younger students, particularly females, while highlighting the challenges of attracting and retaining older students. This demographic trend may influence the college's future initiatives and programming aimed at engaging a broader age spectrum.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
373 in 2025 · 9.4% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Kapiolani Community College
The data on international student enrollment at Kapiolani Community College reveals both growth and decline over the years. From 2004 to 2019, there was a noticeable increase in the number of international students, with the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population rising from 5.26% to a peak of 9.47% in 2017. This growth can be attributed to the college's global outreach initiatives, diverse programs, and Hawaii's unique appeal as an educational destination.
However, the subsequent years show a significant decline in both the total number of undergraduate students and the number of international students. By 2021, the proportion of international students dropped to 5.79%, and in 2022, it slightly rebounded to 5.80%. The trend reflects broader challenges faced by institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel and affected students' ability to study abroad.
In 2023, there was a notable uptick in the number of international students, increasing to 420, which corresponds to 7.21% of the undergraduate population. This suggests a potential recovery as the world adjusts to post-pandemic conditions. As global education continues to evolve, Kapiolani Community College will likely need to adapt its strategies to attract and support international students, ensuring it remains competitive in the higher education landscape. The fluctuating enrollment figures highlight the importance of ongoing outreach and the need for responsive policies to accommodate the diverse needs of international learners.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$30,921
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,420
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $3,284
- Room and board
- $22,501
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 6% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 70%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$80.7M
Expenses$81.2M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Kapiolani Community College:
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa - Ranked 170 in the 2024 US News rankings, this university is known for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on research.
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Stanford University - A prestigious institution with a ranking of 3, Stanford is renowned for its academic excellence and innovation in various fields.
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University of California-Berkeley - With a ranking of 15, UC Berkeley is recognized for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.
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University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15, UCLA offers a comprehensive range of programs and is known for its research contributions and cultural diversity.
-
University of California-Davis - Ranked 28, UC Davis is particularly well-regarded for its agricultural and environmental sciences programs.
These schools provide a range of academic opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Kapiolani Community College
The crime data from Kapiolani Community College over the years presents an intriguing picture of campus safety. Notably, the overall crime rate per 1000 students has shown a general decline from a peak in 2015, which recorded a rate of 1.13, to a low of 0.00 in 2021. This significant drop can be attributed to various factors, including increased campus safety measures, community programs aimed at reducing crime, and possibly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw fewer students on campus.
In 2022 and 2023, there was a slight uptick in reported incidents, with rates of 0.16 and 0.17 respectively. While these figures are relatively low, it is essential for the college administration to remain vigilant. The most common type of reported crime during this period has been gun-related arrests, a trend that highlights the need for ongoing education and prevention efforts concerning firearm use among students.
Moreover, the absence of serious crimes such as murder or sexual assault in the data is encouraging, suggesting that Kapiolani Community College maintains a relatively safe environment for its students. However, ongoing efforts to foster a secure campus atmosphere are crucial. As institutions of higher education continue to evolve, it is vital for them to adapt their safety protocols and community engagement initiatives to protect their students effectively.
For those interested in understanding how to calculate crime rates, you can find the method detailed at: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.