Academic Programs & Learning

How does Hawaii Community College in Hilo, HI support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.

What About Academic Quality at Hawaii Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

14:1

Average students per faculty member

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Full-Time Retention

59%

Students continuing to second year

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Part-Time Retention

37%

Part-time students continuing

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How Hawaii Community College Compares

Hawaii Community College reports 59% retention — middle-of-the-pack for trade colleges. Combined with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 37% part-time retention, the school sits at expected levels on academic-quality indicators.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 14:1 means there are approximately 14 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.

Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.

Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 23% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Hawaii Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
63
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
22%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (5%) Non-Tenure (5%) Other

Academic Ranks

Assistant Professors 1
Instructors & Lecturers 2
Other Instructional Staff 60

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 63 instructors, Hawaii Community College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.

Where Do Online Students at Hawaii Community College Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)

Exclusively Online
1,002
of 2,289 total (43.8%)
Some Online Courses
523
of 2,289 total (22.8%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (HI) 990 (98.8%)
Other US states 12 (1.2%)
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About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.

99% of Hawaii Community College's exclusively online students are located in HI. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Hawaii Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

1,144
Total FTE
1,144
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:50.0% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

FTE enrollment at Hawaii Community College converts all student enrollment into full-time equivalents, providing a clearer picture of the school's actual academic workload.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Hawaii Community College?

Student Enrollment Intensity

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.

50.0%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelLow

Predominantly part-time students, designed for maximum scheduling flexibility and adult learners.

Undergraduate FTE
1,144
Total FTE
1,144
Headcount
2,289

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

Enrollment intensity at Hawaii Community College sits at 0.50 — a measure of how much of the student body is enrolled full-time versus part-time.

Academic Support & Resources

Academic Advising

Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.

Student Success Services

Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.

For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Hawaii Community College directly at 8089342500 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 supports personalized learning
  • 63 instructional staff with 5% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from HI (99% in-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Hawaii Community College?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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