Public Institution

Highline College — Des Moines, Washington

Annual Tuition $4,623

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 3,487

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,869

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Des Moines, Washington
Institution type Public
Accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Founded 5/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Highline College stands as a pillar of higher education in Des Moines, providing a robust academic foundation for 3,487 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Highline College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Highline College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
37%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
22.5%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
14.5%

Enrollment Share

Education
10.8%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
4.3%

Enrollment Share

Physical Sciences
3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Physical Sciences College

The Physical Sciences program at Highline College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Highline College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Highline College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 36.3%
Women Enrollment 63.7%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Highline College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Highline College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Highline College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $4,623
Out-of-State Tuition $5,156

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 17.1%
Median Student Debt $9,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $4,623, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,869, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Washington.

What salary can Highline College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,869

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 38.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $10,878
Median Salary (6yr) $42,323
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Highline College in Des Moines?

3,487 Students

Gender Comparison

36.3% Men
63.7% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Pacific Islander
1%
Asian
16.7%
Black
19.2%
White
18.2%
Unknown
10.4%
Hispanic
19.8%
Two or More Races
7.1%
International
7.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 26
🎓
First-Generation 49.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 92.9%
🎖️
Veterans 0.8%
💍
Married Students 15.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $65,376
Average Family Income $23,868
Median Family Income $18,708

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

39.2%
60.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Des Moines Campus Environment

Located at 2400 S 240th St, Highline College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Washington. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity

Common Questions about Highline College

Is Highline College a good college in Des Moines, Washington?
Highline College is a recognized institution in Des Moines with an enrollment of 3,487 students. It is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers a robust ROI for students in Washington based on Department of Education data.
Is Highline College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Highline College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,869. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Highline College cost for Washington residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Highline College is approximately $4,623. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $5,156. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Highline College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Highline College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 92.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Highline College good for Humanities and Health Professions programs?
Highline College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Highline College?
Graduates of Highline College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $47,869, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Highline College?
Highline College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Highline College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Highline College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Highline College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Highline College earn a median salary of $47,869 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Highline College a good investment compared to other WA colleges?
Highline College stands out as a high-value investment in Washington. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Highline College located and what is the campus like?
Highline College is located at 2400 S 240th St in Des Moines, WA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 3,487 learners.
Who typically attends Highline College in Des Moines, WA?
The student body at Highline College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 49.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Washington

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