Highline College: $4,623 Tuition

$4,623Tuition

3,487Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,869Earnings

#19 in WashingtonPublic4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Highline College

Highline College serves as a launching pad for students seeking practical education and career training in the Seattle metro area. With 3,487 students enrolled, this community college attracts a remarkably diverse student body where no single ethnic group dominates. About 63.69% of students are women, and the college draws almost entirely from Washington state with 97.12% in-state enrollment. The quarter system keeps coursework moving at a steady pace, and the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually get to know your professors.

The financial picture looks appealing for most families. Students pay an average net price of $10,878, which drops to just $9,875 for families earning under $30,000 annually. Graduates typically leave with only $9,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $101. Within ten years of graduation, median earnings reach $47,869. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that many four-year graduates would envy.

Only 160 students live on campus, so this feels more like a commuter school where you'll meet working adults and recent high school graduates mixing in the same classes. The Thunderbirds field eight varsity sports teams with 95 total athletes. The 38.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer to four-year schools before completing their degrees here.

Academics & Faculty

Highline College offers two-year associate degrees and certificate programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly or transfer to four-year universities. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for professors to know your name and help with coursework. The school serves a diverse student body where 63.69% are women and no single racial group dominates enrollment. However, the 39.34% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or have family responsibilities that slow their progress. Popular programs include business, healthcare preparation, and skilled trades that connect directly to jobs in the Seattle area's growing economy.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 96.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,869

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$64,493
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$40,438
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$31,974
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$28,960

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Highline College sits in Des Moines, Washington, about 20 minutes south of Seattle. The campus serves 3,487 students in a suburban setting where you'll need rain jackets more than sunscreen. Seattle's famous drizzle means gray skies from October through May, but summers are surprisingly pleasant. Only 160 students can live on campus, so most of the 97% in-state enrollment commutes from nearby communities in the Puget Sound area.

The student body reflects the diversity of the Seattle metro region. Women make up 64% of enrollment, and the school is remarkably diverse with roughly equal populations of White (18%), Black (19%), Hispanic (20%), and Asian (17%) students. Most students balance work and classes, which explains why only 39% graduate in four years. Weekends often involve trips to Seattle for shopping or entertainment, or outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Cascades when weather permits. The quarter system keeps academic pace quick, with terms starting in fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 160 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	10	0	1
Stalking	2	1	0
Burglary	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–48°F
July Avg: 57°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.1"
Annual Snowfall: 6.3"

Student Demographics

Highline College draws students from across Washington's diverse communities, with 97% coming from in-state and strong representation from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and white students. The student body reflects the multicultural makeup of the Seattle-Tacoma area, where many attend part-time while working or raising families. Women make up nearly two-thirds of students, which is typical for community colleges that offer strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. Most students are older than traditional college age and juggling school with other responsibilities, creating a supportive environment where everyone understands the challenge of balancing multiple commitments.

Men: 36.3%
Women: 63.7%
White: 18.2%
Black: 19.2%
Hispanic: 19.8%
Asian: 16.7%
In-State Students: 97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.1%

Location

Highline College sits in Des Moines, Washington, about 20 miles south of Seattle in the heart of the Puget Sound region. The campus serves students from across King County with 97.12% coming from in-state. Des Moines is a suburban community right on the Pacific coastline, giving students access to both Seattle's job market and the Pacific Northwest's outdoor culture. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with easy access to hiking trails, beaches, and the economic opportunities of the greater Seattle metro area. Students get small-town community feel while staying connected to one of the country's fastest-growing tech centers. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Highline College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Des Moines, Washington 98198-9800

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,869
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,981
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Highline College?

As a community college, Highline College maintains open enrollment for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 3,487 students and is known for providing accessible higher education to the diverse South Seattle metro area.

How much does Highline College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,878 annually at Highline College. In-state tuition runs just $4,623, making it one of the most affordable options in Washington state for students looking to start their college journey or earn career-focused credentials.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Highline College?

Highline College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for a community college. The school operates on a quarter system and has built a reputation for personalized attention in career and transfer programs.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Highline College?

The college reports a 39.34% four-year graduation rate and an impressive 90.9% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $47,869 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on practical, workforce-ready programs.

Does Highline College have on-campus housing?

Highline College offers limited on-campus housing with a capacity of just 160 students. Most of the 97.12% in-state student body commutes to the Des Moines campus, which sits in the diverse southern suburbs of Seattle.

How diverse is the student body at Highline College?

Highline College serves one of the most diverse student populations in Washington, with only 18.21% white students. The campus reflects the multicultural makeup of South King County, with significant Black (19.19%), Hispanic (19.82%), and Asian (16.72%) student populations.