Head-to-head · 2026
Hawaii Community College vs Kapiolani Community College
Compare average net price ($8,942 at Hawaii Community College; $5,202 at Kapiolani Community College), ROI score (9.75 vs 21.43), ten-year median earnings ($34,891 vs $44,599), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Hawaii Community College; Open / not reported at Kapiolani Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Kapiolani Community College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Kapiolani Community College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Hawaii Community College | Kapiolani Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.75 | 21.43 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,942 | $5,202 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $34,891 | $44,599 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 32.7% ✓ | 22.2% |
| Median debt | $10,500 | $9,229 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,546 | 3,910 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Hawaii Community College costs $3,740 more per year than Kapiolani Community College ($8,942 vs $5,202). Kapiolani Community College graduates report $9,708 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,599 vs $34,891). On EduGradify's model that puts Kapiolani Community College ahead on projected ROI (21.43 vs 9.75, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Kapiolani Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Hawaii Community College vs Kapiolani Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Hawaii Community College or Kapiolani Community College the better value?
Kapiolani Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (21.43 vs 9.75), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Kapiolani Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,202 per year vs $8,942 at Hawaii Community College. The annual difference of $3,740 adds up to about $14,960 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Kapiolani Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,599 vs $34,891 at Hawaii Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,708.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Hawaii Community College reports a B value grade; Kapiolani Community College reports A+.