Highline College
Des Moines, Washington
Highline College is a public institution in Des Moines, Washington with 3,487 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $4,623 compared with a Washington nursing-school average of $12,913. The school reports a graduation rate of 38.6%, median earnings of $47,869, and median federal debt of $9,500.
$4,623 is lower than the state average of $12,913.
38.6% is lower than the state average of 45.3%.
$47,869 is lower than the state average of $48,006.
About Highline College
| Location | Des Moines, Washington |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | bachelor |
| Website | www.highline.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $4,623 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $5,156 |
| Total Enrollment | 3,487 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| Graduation Rate | 38.6% |
| Retention Rate | N/A |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $47,869 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $100 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 17.1% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 1.8% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.2 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
17.1% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 1.8% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Highline College depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $18,492, while the reported median debt is $9,500 with an estimated monthly payment of $100. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
Quick Links
Student Demographics
The student body is largest among Hispanic students (19.8%), followed by Black students (19.2%) and White students (18.2%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($47,869) divided by median debt ($9,500)