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Colleges / WA / Des Moines
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Highline College

Public Des Moines, WA · Suburban · Far West · 80% data reported · Agent Insights
37%
Graduation Rate
$47,869
Earnings (10yr)
$9,879
Net Price
3,838
Enrollment

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Overview

Highline College serves about 3,800 students, making it a welcoming environment for those seeking a more personalized educational experience. It's particularly well-suited for individuals interested in fields like Humanities, Health Professions, Education, Business & Marketing, or Computer Science & IT. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, which can be a great fit for students looking to make a direct impact in their communities.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $47,869 within ten years. This figure suggests that, while the road may not be easy, those who graduate can find solid job opportunities. The affordability factor is also noteworthy, as the net price after aid is approximately $9,879, which makes pursuing a degree more accessible for many. This combination of earnings potential and cost-effectiveness can be a motivating factor for students considering their financial futures.

For students who thrive here, the manageable median debt of $9,500 is a significant advantage. It allows graduates to start their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Generally, those who do well at Highline College are motivated, practical, and eager to engage with the community. This environment fosters growth and success for students ready to take charge of their educational journey.

Rankings

How Highline Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation37%Earnings 10yr$48KNet Price$10KMedian Debt$10KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$11K$48-75K$12K$110K+

Cost & Financial Aid

$4,772
In-State Tuition
$5,332
Out-of-State
$9,879
Avg Net Price
$9,500
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
2%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$8,984
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,689
Family Income $30K–$48K
$11,209
Family Income $48K–$75K
$12,378
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$42,323
6 Years After Entry
$45,176
8 Years
$47,869
10 Years
0.2x
Debt-to-Earnings
57%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$42,323 6yr $45,176 8yr $47,869 10yr

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.45
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
0.93
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Full-Time Faculty 95%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,738
Diversity Index 0.87
First-Gen Students 50%

Top Programs

Humanities 33%
Health Professions 22%
Education 14%
Business & Marketing 12%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Physical Sciences 3%
Visual & Performing Arts 2%
Legal Studies 2%