Leeward Community College saw its strongest summer enrollment in five years, following the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s decision to reduce community college summer tuition for Â鶹´«Ã½ residents in 2025.
In January, the UH Community Colleges announced lowering summer school tuition to $131 per credit for Â鶹´«Ã½ residents, allowing students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.
Summer 2025 headcount at Leeward CC surged to 2,691 students—a 16% increase over the previous year and the highest summer enrollment since 2020. Leeward CC-based students rose by 17% while non-Leeward CC students climbed 15%, showing that lower tuition is not only encouraging local students to stay on track, but also drawing new learners from across the state.
Accelerating education
Leeward CC student Raquel Aki is a mother of three and will be the first in her family to graduate from college.
“During an economic downturn, programs like this are invaluable,” Aki said. “I hope the discounted summer credit option continues so that other students balancing work, family and school can take advantage of the same opportunity to accelerate their education, save money and move closer to achieving their goals.”
The program, which allows high school students to earn college credit, experienced the largest numerical growth, increasing 21% from 423 to 512 students. programs also posted remarkable gains: CTE teacher training jumped from 2 to 15 students (+650%), doubled from 18 to 36 (+100%), and nearly doubled from 42 to 81 (+93%).
Kiani Verdugo, Leeward student and student government treasurer, said, “I thought the courses might be too accelerated, but that wasn¡¯t the case. I was able to complete my prerequisites ahead of time, and the cost savings helped me buy supplies and a laptop. The courses are well planned, and you have plenty of opportunities to connect with your instructors.”
With tuition relief and flexible summer learning options, Leeward CC is positioning more students for academic success and timely graduation.
“Lower summer tuition is making higher education more accessible and workforce training more immediate,” said Keala Chock, Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We¡¯re seeing students take bigger academic leaps, and that¡¯s translating directly into qualified graduates filling critical local jobs.”
—By Tad Saiki