Highline College
About Highline College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Highline College teaches south of Seattle, in one of the most diverse parts of the country, and keeps dormitories. Nursing and allied health are among its largest programs, and a fifth of its students transfer on.
Founded
1961
Location
Des Moines, Washington
Students
3,838
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
35.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$4,772
Out-of-state: $5,332
Avg Net Price
$9,879
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$47,869
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
35.5% complete their degree within three years
Retention
Not reported
Transfer Out
20.2%
The federal survey collects no first-year retention cohort for this college.
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
95.2%
$/Student
$10.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 35.5% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,772
In-State
$5,332
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,228
Books & Supplies
$528
Total Cost of Attendance
$18,812
After Financial Aid
$9,879
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,984
Receive Grants
19.1%
Take Loans
1.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $18,812/yr, including $15,228 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $9,879.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Highline College fund their education.
While in School
19.1%
Get Grants
Free money
1.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$18,708
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$9,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$101/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $9,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Highline College.
Gender
65.3%
Female
35%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,838
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
49.9%
First-Gen
26 yrs
Avg Age
32.3%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 26, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 49.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.2% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,838
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Highline College fields 6 varsity teams with 122 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NWAC
Northwest Athletic Conference
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
122
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
44% / 56%
54
Men
68
Women
3
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Highline Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,869
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$31K
409 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$85K
71 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
$50K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
—
46 grads
Physical Sciences, General
—
33 grads
Hospitality Administration/Management
—
24 grads
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highline College
How much does Highline College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Highline College?▾
How much do Highline College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.