Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Des Moines, Washington
Highline College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$19,642Annual Cost
$47,869Grad Salary
17.1%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$10,878
Need-Based Aid
17.1% receive Pell
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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Highline
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Highline College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Highline Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Highline College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Highline
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Highline provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Highline that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
Highline Profile
Full Name
Highline College (Highline)
City
Des Moines
State
Washington
ZIP Code
98198-9800
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Highline Degree Worth It?
Getting into Highline can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Highline offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Highline is $65,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.7%.
How much does a degree from Highline Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Highline College is $19,642. 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 $10,878.
17.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 1.8 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 does a Highline Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $47,869. 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 $40,595.
Degree Programs at Highline
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Highline College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Highline Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $47,869 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $19,642 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
17.1% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
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.
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.