Highline College serves Washington's diverse South King County from its 80-acre campus in Des Moines, strategically located between Seattle and Tacoma. Established in 1961, the college has grown into a comprehensive institution serving over 10,000 students annually with particular strengths in healthcare, business, and STEM fields. The campus features the innovative Building 29 with advanced science labs, the Marine Science and Technology Center on Puget Sound, and the MaST Center aquarium that supports its renowned marine biology program.
Highline offers 75+ degree and certificate programs including exceptional nursing, cybersecurity, and aviation maintenance pathways that feed directly into the regional workforce. The college's 'Achieving the Dream' initiative focuses on equity and student success for its highly diverse population, with over 60% students of color and 120+ languages spoken. Highline's University Center partners with four-year institutions to offer bachelor's and master's degrees on campus. The college's Global Programs division includes study abroad opportunities and the unique 'AANAPISI' program serving Asian American and Pacific Islander students. Highline's commitment to sustainability is evident in its LEED-certified buildings and environmental science curriculum.
Highline College Acceptance Rate
Highline College (Highline) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Highline College Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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Highline College (Highline) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Highline Profile
Name: Highline College (Highline)
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
How much does a degree from Highline Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Highline College is USD: 19642. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Highline College is USD: 10878
How can I get a scholarship?
17.12% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 1.77 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Highline and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Highline College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Highline as your choice in the form.
How much a Highline Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 47869. An average Highline graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- International Business
- Social Work
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Biology, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Highline College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $47869 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $19642 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Highline College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.