Highline College is a public higher education institution located in Des Moines, Washington, approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Seattle and midway between Seattle and Tacoma. Founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County, Highline’s main campus sits on an 80-acre hilltop overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
During the 2025–26 academic year, Highline College served nearly 14,000 credit and non-credit students, including more than 8,600 credit students and approximately 470 international students. Highline is recognized as the most diverse higher education institution in Washington state, with more than 70 percent students of color and a campus community representing more than 120 cultures.
Highline offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including university transfer programs, professional and technical programs, and applied bachelor’s degrees. With its globally diverse community and strong emphasis on student success, Highline is also recognized as one of the most diverse colleges in the United States.
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1 as the first community college in King County, Highline’s main campus sits on an 80-acre hilltop overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
During the 2025–26 academic year, Highline College served nearly 14,000 credit and non-credit students, including more than 8,600 credit students and approximately 470 international students. Highline is recognized as the most diverse higher education institution in Washington state, with more than 70 percent students of color and a campus community representing more than 120 cultures.
Highline offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including university transfer programs, professional and technical programs, and applied bachelor’s degrees. With its globally diverse community and strong emphasis on student success, Highline is also recognized as one of the most diverse colleges in the United States.