Kauai Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,388
In-state $3,252
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,335
Student-faculty ratio 11:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
29.1%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 41.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Kauai Community College (KCC) is a vibrant institution located on the beautiful island of Kauai in Hawaii. Established in 1968, KCC offers a unique blend of high-quality education and a stunning natural environment, making it an attractive destination for students from diverse backgrounds. The college's motto, "Commitment to Student Success," underscores its dedication to fostering academic excellence and creating an inclusive atmosphere that supports personal growth. KCC is known for its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention from faculty, encouraging a close-knit community where students can thrive both academically and socially.
The college provides a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and certificates in various fields such as Hawaiian Studies, Culinary Arts, and Environmental Studies. KCC is particularly celebrated for its focus on sustainability and community engagement, often integrating local culture and environmental stewardship into its curriculum. The campus itself boasts impressive facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and a library, all set against the backdrop of Kauai's breathtaking landscapes. Students at KCC also enjoy a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. The college's commitment to student success is further demonstrated through its robust support services, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce or further academic pursuits. Overall, Kauai Community College embodies the spirit of learning and community, making it a unique place for students to pursue their educational goals.
Analysis of Key Data Points at Kauai Community College
Kauai Community College has shown notable trends in tuition fees, student retention, graduation rates, and gender ratios among undergraduate students over the years.
First, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has risen from $2,652 in 2014 to $3,252 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 22.5%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has increased from $7,404 to $8,388, representing a growth of roughly 13.3%. This rising cost of tuition may deter potential students and could be a contributing factor to the decline in student enrollment, which has seen a drop from 1,530 students in 2014 to 1,308 in 2023, indicating a need for colleges to evaluate their financial strategies to attract and retain students.
The retention rate has fluctuated but shows a significant increase from 61.9% in 2013 to 68.3% in 2023. This upward trend in the retention rate suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their studies, which could indicate improvements in student satisfaction and support services.
Graduation rates have also shown improvement, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increasing from 3.8% in 2013 to 17.1% in 2023. The 150% graduation rate also reflects growth, rising from 14.8% to 29.5% in the same period. This positive trend is encouraging and may reflect enhanced academic programs, resources, and student support systems.
Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduates has shown a notable gender disparity, with female students consistently comprising a larger percentage of the student body, reaching approximately 63.9% in 2023. This trend emphasizes the importance of understanding the demographics of the student population and addressing any factors that may contribute to gender imbalance in enrollment.
In conclusion, Kauai Community College faces challenges related to rising tuition and fluctuating enrollment numbers. However, improvements in retention and graduation rates signal positive developments in the educational experience provided. Addressing the gender imbalance and continuing to support student success will be vital for future growth and sustainability.
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Honolulu, about 110 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), about 100 mi
- Also known as
- Kauai CC / KauCC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Margaret Sanchez (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 8082458311
- Address
- 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, HI 96766-9500
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Kauai Community College
The graduation data from Kauai Community College reveals significant insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various programs in 2023. Notably, while the college offers a diverse range of fields, the majority of graduates have attained an associate degree, particularly in Liberal Arts and Sciences, which produced 68 graduates. This aligns with broader trends in community colleges across the United States, where students often pursue associate degrees as a stepping stone toward further education or immediate employment.
Interestingly, many programs, including Business Administration, Registered Nursing, and Culinary Arts, produced a notable number of graduates, yet they did not yield any bachelor's or higher degrees this year. This trend may reflect the college's focus on vocational and technical training, which is increasingly relevant in today’s job market, as employers seek practical skills over advanced credentials.
Furthermore, international students appear to have minimal representation, with only one international student graduating in Liberal Arts. This low participation may highlight the college's need to enhance its recruitment strategies to attract more international students, especially given the increasing globalization of education.
The absence of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees could indicate a potential area for growth. Expanding offerings in higher degree programs may not only serve the local population's educational needs but also bolster the college’s reputation as a comprehensive institution. Overall, Kauai Community College plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape on the island, but it may need to adapt to evolving educational demands and demographics to thrive in the future.
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. | $37,727 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Native American Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences. | - |
Students
1,335 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 60.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 418
- First-year undergraduates 103
- Transfers and others 814
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,335)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Kauai Community College (2023)
The student body composition at Kauai Community College for the year 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the demographics and gender ratios among different categories of students. A total of 217 new undergraduate students were enrolled, with a notable gender distribution of 44.2% male and 55.8% female. This indicates a healthy representation of both genders, although females slightly outnumber males.
In the returning undergraduate category, which includes 472 students, the gender disparity becomes more pronounced, with only 31.1% male and a significant 68.9% female representation. This trend raises questions about the factors influencing higher female retention or enrollment in undergraduate programs, which could be linked to broader societal trends regarding education.
The transfer student segment consists of 67 individuals, with a gender ratio of 23.9% male and 76.1% female. This is a stark contrast to the new undergraduate category, suggesting that transfer students may have different motivations or experiences that impact their gender distribution.
The total number of non-degree seeking students stands at 552, with a balanced gender ratio of 38.4% male and 61.6% female. This indicates a consistent trend of higher female enrollment across all categories.
Overall, the data reflects a predominately female student demographic at Kauai Community College, particularly in the undergraduate and transfer student categories. This could be indicative of broader trends in higher education, where female students are increasingly pursuing higher education degrees. As educational institutions strive for inclusivity, understanding these demographic trends is crucial for developing programs that cater to the diverse needs of the student population.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Kauai Community College
The age composition of students at Kauai Community College reveals interesting trends regarding the demographics of its student body. Notably, the majority of students fall within the younger age brackets, particularly under 18 and 18-19, which constitute approximately 39% and 37% of the total student population, respectively. This highlights a trend often seen in community colleges, where younger students are increasingly seeking higher education opportunities immediately after high school.
As we move into the older age categories, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students. For instance, the 20-21 age group accounts for only about 14% of the total student population, while students aged 22-24 and above show even lower representations. This pattern could suggest that many students complete their education in a traditional timeframe, leading to a drop in enrollment as they age.
Moreover, the absence of graduate males and females in the data points to a potential area for growth in attracting older, graduate-level students. This could be an opportunity for the college to develop programs targeted at non-traditional students, such as those looking to advance their careers or switch fields later in life.
In conclusion, while Kauai Community College serves a vibrant young student population, there remains significant potential to engage older students. Addressing these demographics could provide a more inclusive educational environment and cater to the diverse needs of the community.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
23 in 2025 · 1.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Enrollment at Kauai Community College
The data on international students at Kauai Community College over the years reveals a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in the percentage of international undergraduate students. In 2004, only 0.33% of the total undergraduate population were international students, which indicates a minimal presence. However, by 2019, this figure surged to 2.15%, showing a growing attractiveness of the institution to international candidates.
This upward trajectory continued into 2020, despite the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, when the percentage of international students remained substantial at 2.04%. This resilience may reflect the college's efforts to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain its global reach.
The numbers indicate that Kauai Community College has gradually become more appealing to international students, possibly due to its unique location, diverse programs, and supportive environment for international learners. The institution’s ability to attract a larger proportion of international students speaks volumes about its commitment to fostering a multicultural campus.
However, it is important to note that while the undergraduate numbers have shown a positive trend, there is no available data for graduate students during this period. This lack of information leaves a gap in understanding the overall international student landscape at the college.
Overall, the growing percentage of international undergraduates at Kauai Community College is promising and suggests that the college is on the right path towards enhancing its global presence in education.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$30,889
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,388
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $3,252
- 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 5% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 70%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$25.0M
Expenses$25.3M
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 surrounding Kauai Community College:
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University of Hawaii at Manoa - Ranked 170 in the US News 2024 rankings, UH Manoa is a comprehensive university located in Honolulu, Hawaii, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
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Stanford University - A prestigious institution ranked 3rd nationally, Stanford University is known for its academic excellence and is located in Stanford, California. It offers a variety of programs across multiple disciplines.
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University of California-Berkeley - Ranked 15th, UC Berkeley is a renowned public research university in Berkeley, California, recognized for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
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University of California-Davis - With a rank of 28, UC Davis is celebrated for its research initiatives and strong programs in agriculture, environmental science, and health.
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University of California-Santa Barbara - Ranked 35th, UCSB is known for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on research and sustainability.
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University of San Francisco - This private university is ranked 115th and is known for its strong liberal arts education and commitment to social justice.
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San Francisco State University - Ranked 178th, this public university offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its vibrant campus community.
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Pepperdine University - With a ranking of 76, Pepperdine is a private Christian university located in Malibu, California, known for its beautiful campus and strong programs in law and business.
These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and specialized programs, providing various educational opportunities in the region.
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 Kauai Community College
The crime data from Kauai Community College reveals a generally low crime rate over the years, particularly in recent years. In 2013, the rate per 1,000 students was 1.34, indicating some level of crime presence on campus. However, this rate has fluctuated, reaching a low of 0.00 in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. This suggests a significant improvement in campus safety, which is a positive development for students, faculty, and staff alike.
Notably, the arrests for gun-related offenses and drug-related incidents have been quite low throughout the years compared to national averages. The peak in 2017, with a rate of 1.43, could have been influenced by particular incidents or a more proactive approach to campus safety measures during that time. The absence of recorded incidents in the most recent years may indicate successful preventative strategies or a shift in student behavior.
The data illustrates the importance of continuous monitoring and community engagement in maintaining a safe educational environment. Schools across the nation are increasingly focusing on safety, and this trend is evident in Kauai Community College’s statistics. Institutions must remain vigilant and responsive to any signs of rising crime rates to ensure the well-being of their communities.
For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further details can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.