At $10,878/yr net price, Highline College graduates earn $47,869/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,869/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,878 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,512 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,869/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,869/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,875/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,004/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,012/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,413/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,642/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,493 | $12,950 |
| 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 | $6,615 |
The Risk Factor
38.6% of students at Highline College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Highline College offers solid financial value for specific career paths, but your program choice makes all the difference. The nursing program delivers strong returns with graduates earning $64,493 annually, justifying the $12,950 median debt load. Allied health programs also provide decent earning potential at $40,438.
Liberal arts graduates face tougher financial prospects, earning just $28,960 despite relatively low debt of $6,615. Mental health and social services programs fall in the middle at $31,974. The 38.6% graduation rate means significant risk that you won't complete your degree, making careful program selection critical.
The school works best financially for students targeting healthcare careers who can handle the clinical requirements and complete their programs. The low net price of $10,878 keeps total costs manageable even if you need extra time to graduate. Washington's strong healthcare job market supports the nursing program's earnings potential.
Financial aid coverage is unusually low, with only 17% of students receiving aid. This suggests you'll likely pay close to the full net price. If you're considering liberal arts or social services programs, you should seriously evaluate whether other Washington community colleges or four-year schools offer better career preparation for similar costs.
Skip Highline if you're undecided about your major or leaning toward programs outside healthcare. The graduation rate and limited earning potential in non-medical fields create too much downside risk. Target students who know they want nursing or allied health careers will find reasonable value here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highline College worth the cost?
Highline College offers decent value with a low net price of $10,878 per year and graduates earn $47,869 annually after 10 years. However, the 38.6% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Highline College?
Nursing programs at Highline College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $64,493 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $40,438, while liberal arts graduates earn considerably less at $28,960.
How much debt do Highline College students graduate with?
Highline College graduates have a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. This manageable debt level helps improve the overall value proposition for students who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Highline College?
Only 38.6% of students graduate from Highline College, which is concerning for ROI. Students considering enrollment should have realistic expectations about completion and explore support services to improve their chances of finishing.