Windward Community College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
Windward Community College is a public institution in Hawaii that offers a diverse array of associate degrees and transfer pathways in a beautiful, supportive campus environment. The college is committed to student success, emphasizing a curriculum that integrates local culture with rigorous academic inquiry. With its focus on personal attention and academic persistence, it provides an accessible and affordable foundation for students looking to gain practical professional skills or build the necessary credits for transfer to a top-tier four-year university.
Windward Community College Acceptance Rate
Windward Community College (WCC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at WCC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Windward Community College's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Windward Community College (WCC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into WCC Without SAT or ACT?
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for WCC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
WCC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Windward is the only college in Hawai'i offering AVMA-accredited veterinary paraprofessional credentials, but the pathway is two distinct gates: first, apply directly to the Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting (capped at 48 on-campus/24 hybrid seats, requiring only that a student be 18+ and attend an information session), then apply competitively in the spring for the second-year Veterinary Technology (VETT) degree, where acceptance depends on GPA and clinical aptitude. Treat the VETA year as an extended audition for the VETT seat, not a guaranteed continuation.
Hawai'i has no veterinary school, but the state funds three students per year to attend WICHE-partner veterinary schools (Washington State, Oregon State, Colorado State) at in-state tuition through the Professional Student Exchange Program - a genuinely valuable, little-known route for a Hawai'i student aiming for a DVM. Students not selected for the three WICHE slots pay full out-of-state tuition, so flag this early as a competitive, limited resource, not an automatic benefit of residency.
Windward's hybrid Veterinary Technology option lets students complete lecture coursework online while working at a veterinary facility, but neighbor-island students still must fly to O?ahu for periodic all-day, in-person labs - a real logistical and cost factor that should be planned around a work schedule and travel budget well before the program begins, not discovered mid-semester.
Windward's Early Admit program lets high school and homeschool students take college classes concurrently, but it requires school and parent/guardian approval (plus a Department of Education Exceptions to Compulsory Education form for homeschoolers) and must be resubmitted every semester to maintain registration clearance - a repeat paperwork requirement families often don't realize applies each term.
Don't let a pre-vet-tech student assume that finishing the VETA certificate guarantees a VETT seat - admission to the second-year degree is explicitly competitive and based on GPA and clinical aptitude, and a student who treats the first year as a formality rather than building the strongest possible transcript and clinical presence risks being denied entry into the very credential (VETT) that leads to licensure eligibility.
WCC Profile
Is a WCC Degree Worth It?
Getting into WCC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. WCC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at WCC is $83,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.79%.
How much does a degree from WCC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Windward Community College is $14,492. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Windward Community College is $7,533.
13.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 1.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to WCC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Windward Community College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist WCC as your choice in the form.
How much does a WCC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $38,439. An average WCC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at WCC
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Windward Community College →
Frequently Asked Questions About WCC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $38,439 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $14,492 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
13.2% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
