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Highline College

Des Moines, WA·Public·3,487 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 3,487 students.

N/A
Accept
3,487
Students
$10,878
Net Price
39%
Grad Rate
$40,900
Earnings
10 yr
$6,113
Debt

About This School

Highline College is a public institution located in Des Moines, Washington with approximately 3,487 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $10,878 per year. The graduation rate is 39%, and the typical graduate earns $40,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Highline College is a public community college in Des Moines, Washington. Highline was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County, Washington. The main campus covers 80 acres (320,000 m2). As of 2015, there were approximately 17,000 students and 350,000 alumni of the college.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the low average debt of $6,113 and affordable net price of $10,878/year make this one of the more financially accessible community college options in the region, which is genuinely appealing for students watching their budget. However, the 39% graduation rate is a real concern — it suggests many students struggle to complete their degree, so you'll want to honestly assess whether you have the support systems in place to stay on track. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, but go in with your eyes open.

Founded
1961
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions23%
Business & Marketing14%
Education11%
Computer Science4%
Physical Sciences3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Biological Sciences2%
Engineering0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Alexis DenisofBrian ScalabrineAnn RuleJens Pulver

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$4,623
Out-of-State Tuition
$5,156
Avg Net Price
$10,878
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants17%
Median debt at graduation$6,113

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
39%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$6,113
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$6,113
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 6.7x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White18%
Black19%
Hispanic/Latino20%
Asian17%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,487 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Highline College

2400 S 240th St

Des Moines, WA 98198-9800

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Washington

Browse all Washington schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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