Highline College is a public 2-year college in Des Moines, Washington with 3,838 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $18,053 a year after grants and graduates 38% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Highline College acceptance rate and admissions
Highline College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Highline College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $4,935 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $5,520 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $13,492 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $27,356 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $18,053 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $18,053 a year after grants and scholarships, $9,303 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Highline College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Highline College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 38% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $54,850 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $9,820 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 18% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Highline College majors and what graduates earn
Highline College awarded bachelor's degrees in 6 fields recently.
All 6 majors at Highline College
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT and network administration | 26 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assisting | 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | 19 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Social work | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Graphic and industrial design | 15 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International business | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Trade and career programs at Highline College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 80 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 48 | $57,148 | $66,918 | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 25 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 3,838 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 65% women, 35% men
- 13 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Highline College?
No. Highline College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Highline College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $4,935 for in-state students and $5,520 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $18,053 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Highline College?
38% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Highline College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $54,850 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Washington · Highline College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.