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 gives you a low-debt path with a modest payoff. You'd graduate with a median debt around $9,500, which is small enough that you could clear it in a year or two on the median $47,869 salary graduates earn a decade out. That debt-to-income math is the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The weak spot is completion. Fewer than four in ten students finish, so the biggest financial risk here isn't debt,it's paying for years of tuition and walking away without a credential. If you drop out, you carry the cost with none of the earnings bump, and that $47,869 median only applies to people who actually graduated. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you'll finish.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48k, you'll pay right around $10,000 a year. Above $110k, you're closer to $19,600,nearly double. Oddly, the $48-75k tier pays about $14,000, more than the $75-110k tier at $11,400, so a raise into that middle band can cost you aid. Check your specific award before assuming a higher income means a higher price.
This school fits you if you want a cheap, low-risk way to earn a degree and you're confident you'll graduate. The debt is manageable and the price is affordable at most income levels. Look elsewhere if you want strong earnings,$47,869 ten years out is below what many four-year programs return, and it won't justify the cost if the degree doesn't lead somewhere specific for you.
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.