Overview
Founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County, Washington, Highline College has built a reputation for serving one of the most diverse student populations in the state. The college offers associate degrees, transfer pathways to four-year universities, professional-technical certificates, and workforce training programs. It is particularly well known for its strong international student program and its role as an accessible entry point into higher education for first-generation and underserved students.
At a Glance
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Des Moines, Washington |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Total students | 8,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 35% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $4,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,800 |
| Room & board | $10,500 |
| Average financial aid | $4,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Global Trade and Logistics
- Environmental Science
- Business Administration
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.