College of the Marshall Islands
Out-of-state tuition
$7,480
In-state $6,840
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,011
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is a vital educational institution located in the heart of the Pacific, specifically in the Marshall Islands. Founded in 1981, CMI serves as the primary higher education provider in the region, offering a range of academic programs aimed at fostering local talent and addressing the unique needs of the Marshallese community. The college emphasizes a commitment to student success and community empowerment, encapsulated in its motto, "Empowering People through Education." This guiding principle reflects the institution's dedication to enhancing the educational landscape and supporting the socio-economic development of the Marshall Islands.
CMI features a diverse array of programs, including liberal arts, business administration, and teacher education, among others, designed to prepare students for both local and global opportunities. The college is equipped with modern facilities, including well-resourced classrooms, laboratories, and a library that supports student learning and research. The faculty at CMI is composed of experienced educators who are committed to providing quality instruction and mentorship, fostering a supportive learning environment. Additionally, the college engages with local communities through various outreach programs, further strengthening its role as a cornerstone of education in the Marshall Islands. With a focus on cultural preservation and community engagement, the College of the Marshall Islands continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of its students and the broader society.
Analysis of Key Metrics at the College of the Marshall Islands
The College of the Marshall Islands has shown significant trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition rates, student enrollment, and gender ratios. One of the most striking developments is the substantial increase in tuition costs. In 2014, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students was $4,705. However, by 2023, this amount skyrocketed to $7,458 for in-state students and $8,098 for out-of-state students. This dramatic rise of approximately 58% for in-state and 72% for out-of-state students poses serious implications for affordability and accessibility, especially for local residents.
Student enrollment has experienced a modest yet consistent increase from 1,000 in 2014 to 1,384 in 2023. This growth in undergraduate numbers indicates a positive trend in attracting students, which may be partly due to the expanding opportunities or improvements in the institution's offerings. However, this growth must be contextualized against the rising tuition, which might eventually affect future enrollment if costs become prohibitive.
Another noteworthy aspect is the shift in gender ratios among undergraduate students. The percentage of female undergraduate students increased from about 47.8% in 2014 to approximately 55.5% in 2023, indicating a growing trend towards female enrollment that is reflective of broader societal changes in education. This shift could have implications for program development and support services tailored to a more diverse student body.
Lastly, retention rates have fluctuated, with a notable drop from 50% in 2013 to approximately 40.8% in 2014 before gradually improving to 58.9% in 2018. However, data from 2019 onwards is absent, which raises concerns about the consistency in maintaining student engagement and support. Overall, while the College of the Marshall Islands has seen growth in certain areas, the rising costs and variable retention rates suggest significant challenges ahead that will need to be addressed to sustain this momentum and support student success.
This college
- Nearest major city
- Honolulu, about 2280 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), about 2270 mi
- Also known as
- CMI
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. David Newnham (President)
- Phone
- 6926253394236
- City
- Majuro
- Address
- Oceanside Uliga - PO Box 1258, Majuro, MH 96960
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at the College of the Marshall Islands
The graduation data from the College of the Marshall Islands for 2023 highlights several noteworthy trends, particularly in the areas of education and health sciences. Notably, the Elementary Education and Teaching program awarded 32 bachelor's degrees, which indicates a strong focus on preparing educators. Additionally, the significant number of associate degrees conferred in this program, totaling 25, demonstrates the college's commitment to fostering foundational skills in education.
In contrast, other programs such as Registered Nursing and Accounting did not produce any graduates at the bachelor's or master's levels. This raises questions about the demand and structure of these programs, particularly in a region where healthcare is crucial, and business acumen can drive local economies. The absence of graduates in these fields suggests potential barriers, whether they are related to student enrollment, program viability, or perhaps the need for more targeted outreach to encourage students to pursue these paths.
International students are represented minimally, with only one international student earning an associate degree in Elementary Education. This indicates a possible area for growth, as attracting a diverse student body can enhance the educational environment and subsequently benefit local communities.
Overall, while the data reveals strengths in certain educational programs, it also points to challenges that need to be addressed, especially in critical fields like healthcare and business. By focusing on these areas, the college can better align its offerings with local needs and enhance opportunities for students.
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 | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Business/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Resources Production and Management. | - |
Students
1,011 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55
- Continuing undergraduates 742
- First-year undergraduates 232
- Transfers and others 37
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,011)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at the College of the Marshall Islands for 2023
The student demographics at the College of the Marshall Islands for 2023 reveal a diverse and gender-balanced population, particularly among undergraduate freshmen and upperclassmen. The undergraduate freshmen cohort consists of 414 students, with a near-equal gender distribution—49.5% male and 50.5% female. This balance is encouraging, reflecting the institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.
In contrast, the upperclassmen demographic appears to skew slightly more toward female students, with 970 students enrolled, of which 42.4% are male and 57.6% are female. This trend may suggest that female students are not only enrolling in higher numbers but also persisting in their studies at a higher rate compared to their male counterparts. Such trends are increasingly recognized in higher education, where female students often outperform males in retention and graduation rates.
Interestingly, there is no reported data for the specific ethnic breakdown of these groups, which limits a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity within the student body. The absence of this information raises questions about the representation of different ethnic backgrounds, such as Pacific Islanders, Latinos, and others, which could provide valuable insights into the college's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Overall, the data indicates a positive trend in gender balance among the student population, but further information regarding ethnic diversity would enrich the narrative and help the institution address any potential disparities in representation. This analysis underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and supportive measures to maintain an equitable educational environment.
Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at the College of the Marshall Islands in 2023
The age distribution of students at the College of the Marshall Islands reflects a youthful demographic, with the majority of students falling under the age of 24. Notably, the largest group is composed of students aged 18-19, where we see 213 male undergraduates and 210 female undergraduates, indicating a balanced gender ratio within this age bracket. This suggests that the college is attracting recent high school graduates, a trend that aligns with global patterns where higher education institutions cater to younger individuals seeking to further their studies immediately after secondary education.
As we examine the data further, the numbers begin to decrease in the older age categories. For instance, in the 20-21 age group, there are 140 male undergraduates compared to 179 female undergraduates, demonstrating a slightly higher enrollment of females in this age bracket. This trend continues, albeit with lower enrollment figures as age increases. The data shows that the number of students aged 30 and above is considerably low, with only 21 male and 38 female students aged 30-34, and even fewer in the 35-39, 40-49, and 50-64 categories.
The absence of graduate male students across all age groups emphasizes a potential area for development in graduate programs, particularly in attracting mature students who may wish to pursue further education later in life. Overall, the data indicates that while the College of the Marshall Islands is successful in drawing younger students, there remains an opportunity to diversify and expand its offerings to older demographics, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at the College of the Marshall Islands
The data on international student enrollment at the College of the Marshall Islands reveals a concerning trend over the years. From 2004 to 2022, the total number of undergraduate students has generally increased, peaking at 1,267 in 2022. However, the number of international students has fluctuated dramatically and shows a significant decline in recent years.
In 2004, the percentage of international students was relatively robust at 4.66%. This number has dropped sharply, with a particularly notable decline observed in 2022, where only one international student was recorded, translating to a mere 0.08% of the total undergraduate population. Such a drastic decrease raises questions about the institution's appeal to international students and its global outreach efforts.
Historically, many institutions have benefited from a diverse student body, which enriches the educational experience and fosters cross-cultural understanding. The declining numbers might suggest that international students are facing barriers to enrollment, such as visa issues, limited marketing, or perhaps a lack of programs that appeal to a global audience.
In the context of a globalized education landscape, where students increasingly seek international experiences, the College of the Marshall Islands must reflect on its strategies for attracting international talent. Strengthening partnerships with foreign institutions, enhancing program offerings, and improving support services for international students could be crucial steps in reversing this declining trend and ensuring a more diverse educational environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$10,480
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $7,480
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,840
- Room and board
- $3,000
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 47% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 127%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$22.6M
Expenses$21.4M
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
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding the College of the Marshall Islands:
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Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the US News 2024 rankings, Stanford is a prestigious private research university located in Stanford, California. It is known for its academic strength, athletic prowess, and contributions to various fields, including technology and the arts.
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University of California-Berkeley - With a ranking of 15th, UC Berkeley is a leading public research university renowned for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant campus life, and groundbreaking research in various disciplines.
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University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th, UC Davis is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental sciences, and veterinary medicine. It is also known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
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University of San Francisco - This university, ranked 115th, is known for its diverse student body and strong emphasis on social justice, community service, and inclusion, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
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San Francisco State University - Ranked 178th, this public university is known for its vibrant campus life and diverse academic offerings, particularly in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and creative arts.
These institutions represent a range of academic strengths and cultural experiences, making them significant choices for students in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Trends in Campus Crime at the College of the Marshall Islands
The data from the College of the Marshall Islands reveals a significant decline in campus-related crime rates over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the rate of offenses stood at 18.70 per 1,000 students, but by 2023, this rate fell to zero. This remarkable decrease suggests a positive trend toward enhancing campus safety and improving the overall environment for students.
Among the various types of offenses, gun-related arrests have consistently been reported, albeit in declining numbers. The absence of incidents in recent years may indicate successful preventative measures taken by campus authorities and local law enforcement. Furthermore, the drop in drug and alcohol-related arrests showcases a potential shift in student behavior or effective educational programs addressing substance use on campus.
The fluctuations observed in crime rates can also reflect broader societal trends, including those influenced by global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have altered social interactions and crime patterns.
While the data is encouraging, it is crucial for the College of the Marshall Islands to remain vigilant and continue to implement proactive measures to maintain this decline in crime. Ongoing education, community engagement, and the promotion of a safe campus culture will be essential in ensuring that students feel secure and supported during their time in higher education.
For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.