A straight answer: 76.0% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 76 actually get in. No guessing. Highline College is a 4YEAR institution located in Des Moines, WA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Highline College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
What Students Miss When Looking at the Highline College Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Highline College is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 76.0% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.
Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior
Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.
At Highline College, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.
How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately
Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.
Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at Highline College becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Highline College
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Highline College based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherIs Highline College a Reach, Target, or Safety School?
One of the most common reasons students research admissions data is to categorize schools. Where does Highline College belong on your list? Is it a reach, a realistic target, or a safer option?
There’s no universal answer. For some applicants, Highline College may represent a strong target where preparation aligns well with admissions expectations. For others—especially those applying to competitive programs—it may function more like a reach.
How to Think About Your Chances Holistically
Admissions outcomes depend on more than a single statistic. Academic rigor, consistency, course selection, and clarity of intent all influence how applications are reviewed. That’s why two students with similar GPAs can experience very different results.
Using admissions data effectively means pairing it with self-assessment. When students understand both their own profiles and how the university evaluates applicants, decisions become clearer and more grounded. In that sense, acceptance data isn’t about predicting outcomes—it’s about making smarter choices before applying.
Should You Apply to Highline College?
If 76.0% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Highline College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Highline College Acceptance Rate
What is the average cost of attending Highline College?
The average net price for attending Highline College is approximately $7,052 annually. Around 45% of students receive federal aid to help offset these costs, making it relatively affordable for many.
Does Highline College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Highline College does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, allowing students to apply without the pressure of standardized testing requirements.
What degree programs does Highline College offer?
Highline College offers over 100 degrees and certificates across six academic pathways, including various Bachelor of Applied Science programs for students pursuing higher-level credentials.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Highline College?
Highline College maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, promoting more personalized attention and support in the learning environment.
Can I transfer credits from Highline College to a four-year university?
Yes, students can transfer credits from Highline College to a four-year university. However, it’s advisable to check with both institutions to ensure compatibility of courses.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Highline College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success