At a Glance
Highline College is a mid-size public college in Des Moines, WA. Approximately 3,838 undergraduates are enrolled. The campus sits on Lake Washington, just 9 miles from the water. The campus sits in a beach town, just 6 miles from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 42 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 64/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Location
Des Moines, WA
Campus Identity
Highline College is a mid-size public college in Des Moines, WA. Approximately 3,838 undergraduates are enrolled. The campus sits on Lake Washington, just 9 miles from the water. The campus sits in a beach town, just 6 miles from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 42 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 64/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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Campus Lifestyle
Highline College is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school. The campus is 6 miles from Dash Point State Park Beach, WA and 42 miles from The Summit at Snoqualmie.
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Beach Access
6 miles
Dash Point State Park Beach, WA
Weather
Warm Climate
50°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Highline College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is The Summit at Snoqualmie, 42 miles away with 20 lifts and 1,994 skiable acres. All are within 49 miles of campus.
Washington
Washington
Washington
Beach Town
Students at Highline College are 6 miles from Dash Point State Park Beach, WA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Dash Point State Park Beach, WA
Ocean access within 6.3 miles
Lake Life Campus
Lake Washington is 9 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Highline College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Washington
Lake access within 8.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Des Moines, WA
Des Moines has a cool climate, with winters averaging 42°F in Dec and summers peaking around 67°F in Aug.
Station: SEATTLE TACOMA Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Highline College in WA earns a composite safety score of 64/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,772 | $5,332 |
| Fees | $899 | $1,368 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5,671 | $6,700 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
70 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Highline College located?
Highline College is located in Des Moines, WA. The main campus address is 2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
How many students attend Highline College?
Highline College enrolls 3,838 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend Highline College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Highline College charges $4,772/year for in-state students and $5,332/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board, the total estimated cost is approximately $4,813/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $9,879/year — what students actually pay. Use Highline College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Is Highline College the right fit for me?
Whether Highline College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions requirements, avg net price ($9,879/year after aid), campus culture in Des Moines, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Highline College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Highline College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Des Moines, WA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 50°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 64/100
- Nearest Airport
- Seattle, WA (SEA) · 4 mialso BFI (10 mi), TIW (15 mi)