Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Hilo, Hawaii
Hawaii Community College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$15,161Annual Cost
$34,891Grad Salary
30.9%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$7,369
Need-Based Aid
30.9% receive Pell
Hawaii Community College HI Hawaii Community College serves students through transfer pathways, workforce education, and community-focused programs. As part of the University of Hawaii system, it provides affordable access to higher education throughout the state.\n\nThe college is particularly known for hospitality, agriculture, Hawaiian studies, healthcare, and technical education. Its programs reflect the unique economic and cultural needs of Hawaii.
Hawaii Community College Acceptance Rate
Hawaii Community College (Hawaii CC / HCC) 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
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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 Hawaii CC / HCC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Hawaii Community College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ 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.
Hawaii Community College (Hawaii CC / HCC) 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 Hawaii CC / HCC Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Hawaii Community College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Hawaii CC / HCC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Hawaii CC / HCC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Time your Nursing "Intent to Apply" a full year ahead of the general deadline
Hawai'i CC's general admission deadline (Aug 1 for fall) has nothing to do with entry into Nursing or Allied Health. Those programs run on a separate, competitive point-system process with an Intent to Apply and full document packet due January 15 of the year before enrollment - and the packet must include a printed TEAS score. If your student wants the AS-Nursing or LPN-to-AS pathway, back-plan prerequisites (all completed with a "C" or better, no C-) so every required course is finished by the end of the spring term before that January 15 cutoff.
Check program availability at the exact campus before building a plan around it
Hawai'i CC operates two sites - Manono/Upper Campus in Hilo and P?lamanui in Kailua-Kona - and program offerings differ. The Practical Nursing (PRCN) certificate is not being offered in Hilo for Fall 2026 and isn't expected to resume until 2027. Before a student anchors a plan on PRCN or another allied health credential, verify current-cycle availability directly with the Division of Nursing & Allied Health rather than trusting an unchecked program list.
Lean into the zero-cost, zero-essay path for Hawai'i residents
There's no application fee, personal essay, or letter of recommendation for general admission if the student is a Hawai'i resident - nonresidents pay a flat $25. Since general admission has no competitive academic bar, the real leverage point is building a STAR (registration) plan early: meet a counselor before the first registration window (Fall opens late April) to sequence English/Math placement and avoid losing a semester to remedial coursework.
Build the transfer articulation into the application from day one
Hawai'i CC has established transfer agreements with UH Hilo and UH M?noa. If the end goal is a bachelor's degree, declare an AA (not an AAS, which is terminal and not transfer-intended) and map gen-ed electives to satisfy both the AA and the eventual four-year target simultaneously - that's the actual admission strategy at an open-access two-year school: sequencing for transfer, not competing for a seat.
Expert Insight:
The most common and costly mistake: treating the Aug 1 general admission deadline as if it also covers Nursing/Allied Health. Students who apply in July assuming they can add a Nursing application afterward miss the January 15 Intent to Apply cutoff - which falls in the prior academic year - and lose an entire admission cycle. Always separate "getting into Hawai'i CC" from "getting into the Nursing program" as two distinct timelines.
Hawaii CC / HCC Profile
Full Name
Hawaii Community College (Hawaii CC / HCC)
City
Hilo
State
Hawaii
ZIP Code
96720-5096
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
Is a Hawaii CC / HCC Degree Worth It?
Getting into Hawaii CC / HCC 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. Hawaii CC / HCC 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 Hawaii CC / HCC is $51,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.98%.
How much does a degree from Hawaii CC / HCC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Hawaii Community College is $15,161. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Hawaii Community College is $7,369.
30.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 3.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Hawaii CC / HCC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Hawaii 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 Hawaii CC / HCC as your choice in the form.
How much does a Hawaii CC / HCC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $34,891. An average Hawaii CC / HCC 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 Hawaii CC / HCC
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Hawaii Community College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii CC / HCC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $34,891 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,161 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
30.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
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.