Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Highline College

Des Moines, WA

Total Enrollment

5,592

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

104

104 programs

Full-Time Students

2,812

2,314 part-time

Total FTE

4,176

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

304
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
1179
Total Recent Graduates

With 5,592 students, Highline College is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 104 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 (50.3%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
63.6%
3,555 students
Men
36.4%
2,037 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
20.4%
1,143 students
Hispanic/Latino
20.4% (1,143)
Asian
16.8% (938)
White
15.1% (844)
Black/African American
14.1% (786)
Two or More Races
7.5% (417)
International Students
5.0% (281)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.9% (49)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (14)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 5,592 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 20% of the student body (1,143 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% 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

5,592 students

36% Men, 64% Women
3,211 Full-time 2,381 Part-time
Diversity Index: 84% • Minority Students: 52%

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%

All Full-Time

3,211
All full-time students
1,173 men, 2,038 women
Diversity: 84%

FT Undergraduate

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

FT Undergraduate

3,211
Full-time undergraduate
1,173 men, 2,038 women
Diversity: 84%

FT Degree-Seeking

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

FT Degree-Seeking

2,012
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
703 men, 1,309 women
Diversity: 85%

FT First-Time

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

FT First-Time

471
Full-time first-time students
197 men, 274 women
Diversity: 82%

FT Continuing

1,541
Full-time continuing students
506 men, 1,035 women
Diversity: 85%

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 Transfer

230
Full-time transfer students
75 men, 155 women
Diversity: 85%

FT Continuing

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

FT Continuing

1,311
Full-time other continuing
431 men, 880 women
Diversity: 85%

FT Non-Degree

1,199
Full-time non-degree seeking
470 men, 729 women
Diversity: 79%

FT Non-Degree

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

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,381
All part-time students
864 men, 1,517 women
Diversity: 83%

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 Undergraduate

2,381
Part-time undergraduate
864 men, 1,517 women
Diversity: 83%

PT Degree-Seeking

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

PT Degree-Seeking

1,826
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
628 men, 1,198 women
Diversity: 83%

PT First-Time

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

PT First-Time

319
Part-time first-time students
110 men, 209 women
Diversity: 81%

PT Continuing

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

PT Continuing

1,507
Part-time continuing students
518 men, 989 women
Diversity: 83%

PT Transfer

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

PT Transfer

215
Part-time transfer students
68 men, 147 women
Diversity: 82%

PT Continuing

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

PT Continuing

1,292
Part-time other continuing
450 men, 842 women
Diversity: 83%

PT Non-Degree

555
Part-time non-degree seeking
236 men, 319 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

844
White
786
Black/African American
1,143
Hispanic/Latino
938
Asian
281
International
Diversity Index: 84% Minority Students: 52%

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 5,592 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (50.3%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 4,176 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 55% 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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