Anyone familiar with the community colleges on Oahu?

I'm exploring different post-high school paths and heard about the community colleges on Oahu. If anyone has experiences or insights about them, especially in terms of cost and transfer opportunities, please share!

Certainly! Oahu has several commendable community colleges, primarily under the University of Hawaii system. There's Honolulu Community College (HCC), Kapiolani Community College (KCC), Leeward Community College, and Windward Community College.

In terms of cost, as of the 2024-2025 academic year, the in-state tuition across these colleges is generally approximately $131 per credit hour, quite affordable compared to the national average. Out-of-state tuition is higher, around $345 per credit hour.

For students looking to transition to a four-year institution after completing their associate degree, these schools provide excellent opportunities. There is a strong emphasis on facilitating a smooth transfer process to the University of Hawaii system's four-year colleges, including University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and University of Hawaii-West Oahu through programs like the "Automatic Admission" program. This allows students of eligible community college programs to be automatically accepted to one of the University of Hawaii's four-year institutions.

Each college also offers specific programs and features that might interest you. For instance, KCC is well-known for its robust health sciences programs, in which it partners with local medical centers for internships. HCC, on the other hand, has strong industrial and technician programs, such as welding and automotive technology. Windward Community College is noted for its excellent multimedia and digital arts program, while Leeward has a great culinary program if that's what you're passion about.

When considering any college, remember to consider factors beyond the cost and the availability of your desired program, such as the availability of financial aid, support services, campus environment, and specific locations that may be more convenient for you. It's also important to confirm the transferability of your credits before you begin your program, to ensure a smooth transition once you're ready to transfer.