Highline College

What is the history of Highline College?

Highline College is a public college in Des Moines, Washington, that began serving students in 1961. Its history reflects an expansion from community-college transfer and workforce education into a broader range of undergraduate credentials.

Formerly named Highline Community College, it adopted the name Highline College as it began offering applied bachelor's degrees. The name change matters to applicants: Highline still offers associate degrees and certificates, but some students can continue into a bachelor's program at the same institution. Its location south of Seattle has also shaped its role as a college for local commuters, working adults, and students preparing to transfer.

What are the faculties and departments at Highline College?

Highline College organizes its academics around transfer education, professional and technical training, basic education, and applied bachelor's programs rather than a set of graduate schools. Students can pursue associate degrees, certificates, and selected bachelor's degrees.

Transfer-oriented study includes subjects such as business, humanities, social sciences, science, and mathematics. Career-focused options include health care, education, information technology, and business-related fields. Applied bachelor's offerings provide another route for students who want advanced, employment-oriented study after an associate degree; program names, prerequisites, and available entry terms differ.

The distinction between credentials is important. An associate degree designed for transfer is not necessarily interchangeable with a technical associate degree, and admission to a bachelor's program can be more selective than general admission to the college. Students comparing programs should check the current catalog for required courses, clinical or fieldwork components, and whether credits fit their intended career or transfer destination.

What is the location of Highline College?

Highline College's main campus is in Des Moines, Washington, south of Seattle and near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It serves a metropolitan area where many students can commute from surrounding South King County communities.

The setting offers access to regional employers and public transportation, but a workable class schedule may depend on the trip between campus, home, and work. Bus connections serve the area; students relying on transit should check their specific route and evening service before registering for late classes. Those who drive should account for parking requirements and traffic rather than assuming that proximity on a map means a short commute.

What is the mission and vision of Highline College?

Highline College describes its mission in terms of accessible education, student learning, and service to a diverse community. Its stated priorities encompass preparation for transfer, careers, and continued learning.

That purpose fits the college's mix of open-access entry, workforce programs, academic transfer pathways, and applied bachelor's degrees. The mission is a statement of institutional intent, not a measure of any individual student's outcome. Applicants can assess how well it fits their goals by comparing the requirements and support available in the particular program they plan to enter.