Highline Community College is nationally and internationally recognized as a premier community college, a reputation earned through the development of an institutional culture that values innovation, globalization of curriculum, and community participation. It is one of 34 community and technical colleges in the state of Washington.
School Highlights
Highline College serves 4,951 students (53% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the state community college average of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American and Black), which is less than the state average of 90%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 4,951 students
In-state tuition: $4,000
Out-state tuition: $4,401
Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
Minority enrollment: 89%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Highline College has declined by 21% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has decreased from 12:1 over five years.
The Highline College diversity score of 0.84 is more than the state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,951 students
3,720 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
# Full-Time Students
2,644 students
1,814 students
# Part-Time Students
2,307 students
1,906 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
511 students
384 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,644 students
1,814 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,307 students
1,906 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
160 students
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
17%
8%
% Asian
16%
5%
% Hispanic
2%
1%
% Black
16%
15%
% White
11%
10%
% Hawaiian
24%
46%
% Two or more races
10%
11%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
4%
4%
Diversity Score
0.84
0.73
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
30%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.3575%
0.3575%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,300
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,000 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,401 is less than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,000
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,401
$7,359
Tuition Notes
3 qtrs, 15 credits
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
35%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,486
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,292
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
This article explores the debate surrounding the quality of education offered by community colleges. It discusses efforts to measure and improve educational quality, including student engagement surveys and accountability frameworks. The piece also highlights the role of community colleges in workforce preparation and providing affordable pathways to higher education.
This article showcases innovative support programs for veterans at community colleges across the United States. It highlights initiatives such as centralized veteran centers, specialized services for women veterans, and partnerships between institutions to provide comprehensive assistance for veteran students transitioning to civilian life and higher education.
This article examines the issues surrounding community college placement tests, highlighting their potential inaccuracy and negative impact on student success. It discusses alternative assessment methods, such as using high school grades, and explores ways to improve the placement process to better support students' academic progress.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 4,951 students
In-state tuition: $4,000
Out-state tuition: $4,401
Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
Minority enrollment: 89%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For Washington public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,105 per year for in-state students and $7,359 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $19,532 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
