Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Highline College

Des Moines, WA

Total Enrollment

5,126

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

113

113 programs

Full-Time Students

2,812

2,314 part-time

Total FTE

3,842

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

240
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
1106
Total Recent Graduates

With 5,126 students, Highline College is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 113 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,812 (54.9%)
54.9%
Part-Time Students 2,314 (45.1%)
45.1%
Total Students 5,126

Balanced mix of full-time (54.9%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (54.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
62.5%
3,202 students
Men
37.5%
1,924 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
19.2%
985 students
Hispanic/Latino
19.2% (985)
White
18.9% (971)
Asian
18.5% (950)
Black/African American
16.7% (857)
Two or More Races
7.3% (373)
International Students
5.0% (256)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
1.1% (54)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.4% (18)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (62%) across 5,126 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 19% of the student body (985 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 62% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

5,126 students

38% Men, 62% Women
2,812 Full-time 2,314 Part-time
Diversity Index: 84% • Minority Students: 56%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,812
All full-time students
1,076 men, 1,736 women
Diversity: 85%

FT Undergraduate

2,812
Full-time undergraduate
1,076 men, 1,736 women
Diversity: 85%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,685
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
639 men, 1,046 women
Diversity: 85%

FT First-Time

411
Full-time first-time students
182 men, 229 women
Diversity: 82%

FT Continuing

1,274
Full-time continuing students
457 men, 817 women
Diversity: 84%

FT Transfer

163
Full-time transfer students
52 men, 111 women
Diversity: 84%

FT Continuing

1,111
Full-time other continuing
405 men, 706 women
Diversity: 84%

FT Non-Degree

1,127
Full-time non-degree seeking
437 men, 690 women
Diversity: 82%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,314
All part-time students
848 men, 1,466 women
Diversity: 83%

PT Undergraduate

2,314
Part-time undergraduate
848 men, 1,466 women
Diversity: 83%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,802
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
627 men, 1,175 women
Diversity: 83%

PT First-Time

304
Part-time first-time students
132 men, 172 women
Diversity: 82%

PT Continuing

1,498
Part-time continuing students
495 men, 1,003 women
Diversity: 82%

PT Transfer

219
Part-time transfer students
58 men, 161 women
Diversity: 82%

PT Continuing

1,279
Part-time other continuing
437 men, 842 women
Diversity: 82%

PT Non-Degree

512
Part-time non-degree seeking
221 men, 291 women
Diversity: 83%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

971
White
857
Black/African American
985
Hispanic/Latino
950
Asian
256
International
Diversity Index: 84% Minority Students: 56%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Highline College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 5,126 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (54.9%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 3,842 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 54% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (15:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

2400 S 240th St

Des Moines, WA 98198-9800

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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