College statistics
- Address:
- 45-720 Keaahala Rd
Kaneohe, HI
96744 - Sector Group:
- Public 2-Year
- Official Website:
- https://windward.hawaii.edu/
- Setting:
- Suburb
- Annual In-State Tuition:
- $3,144
- Endowment (End of Year):
- $49,354,667
- Research Activity Tier:
- No research designation
- Economic Mobility Index:
- Higher Access, Lower Earnings
- Primary Undergraduate Major:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Windward is a public community college on Oahu's windward side, serving the Kaneohe area and surrounding communities. It's the kind of place where students can start their college journey affordably, knock out general education requirements, or pursue vocational and technical programs before transferring to a four-year university. The suburban setting gives it a local, accessible feel without being isolated.
The college enrolls 2,743 students and keeps costs low—in-state tuition runs $3,194 per year, with out-of-state tuition at $8,330. That affordability is a big draw for Hawaii residents and military families stationed in the islands who want to start college without taking on heavy debt.
The six-year graduation rate sits at 29.4%, which is lower than many four-year institutions but typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time, work while studying, or transfer before completing a degree at Windward itself. This school works best for students who need flexibility, want to save money on their first two years, or are exploring what they want to study before committing to a university program.