TRIBUNE-HERALD
Hawaii Community College’s enrollment rose 8.7% this fall, compared to fall 2024.
Hawaii Community College had one of the largest enrollment increases in the University of Hawaii system this fall, rising 8.7% to 2,489 students — its highest headcount in years and a strong sign of renewed momentum.
“Hawaii CC’s enrollment gains this fall reflect the opportunity and connection students find when they choose to learn close to home,” Chancellor Susan Kazama said in a news release. “The number of resident students grew 8.0%, continuing students increased 8.2%, and first-time freshman rose 13.7%, showing that more students are seeing Hawaii CC as both a starting point and a steady path for growth.”
In addition, Native Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian enrollment grew 9.5%, highlighting steady progress in advancing educational access and success for Hawaii’s indigenous students.
The college also saw a 5.8% increase in early admit students — high school students who earn college credit while completing their diploma — reflecting the college’s growing partnerships with local schools and its commitment to helping students begin their college journey earlier.
“What makes these numbers meaningful isn’t just the growth — it’s what they represent,” Kazama said. “Each student who walks through our doors is creating something for themselves. Hawaii CC is where the journey begins — where skills grow, confidence takes root, and futures and shaped right here at home.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our faculty and staff who support and uplift our students.”
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Across the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii, total enrollment reached 51,411 students in fall 2025, a 2% increase from last fall and the highest since 2017.
Windward Community College on Oahu had the largest increase in fall enrollment, up 12.4%. UH Hilo’s enrollment fell slightly, down 0.7%.
Enrollment gains across the UH system were driven by increases in first-time freshmen across the UH system, up 2.1%, record participation in programs allowing high school students to earn college and/or high school credit, up 6.9% from fall 2024, and rising undergraduate home-based enrollment at UH four-year campuses.