Highline College

What is the cost of studying for a year at Highline College?

Tuition is only one part of the annual cost of attending Highline College. In the 2024-25 IPEDS figures, average full-time in-state undergraduate tuition was $3,742, with $1,030 in required fees - a combined $4,772 before books, transportation, housing, food, and personal expenses.

The same reporting shows out-of-state tuition of $3,742 and required fees of $1,590. Those institutional averages should not be treated as a personalized nonresident bill: residency classification, course load, program charges, and the current tuition schedule can affect what a student owes. Part-time students should obtain a quarter-by-quarter estimate rather than dividing an annual full-time amount mechanically.

Financial aid changes the comparison. In the 2024-25 figures, 69% of students received financial aid, while 2% had student loans. Average net price - an estimate after grant and scholarship aid, not a quoted tuition rate - was $9,689 for students from families with annual incomes of $48,000 or less. It was $11,209 for those in the $48,001-$75,000 bracket. Net price can include living expenses, so it should not be compared with tuition and fees as though the two covered identical costs.

Eligible students may use federal grants, Washington state aid, scholarships, veterans' education benefits, and, where appropriate, loans. Completing the FAFSA or Washington Application for State Financial Aid is a key step for many applicants. The most useful personal estimate is a current cost-of-attendance budget matched with an individual aid offer and a realistic commuting or housing plan.

What are the work-study opportunities at Highline College?

Highline College offers student employment and career-search resources, but Federal Work-Study is not an automatic job assignment. Eligible students must meet financial-aid requirements and find an available position; an award generally sets an earnings limit rather than paying the full amount upfront.

Students interested in work should check their aid offer and the college's student-employment postings. An ordinary part-time job, a work-study position, and a course-related internship have different purposes and eligibility rules. Applicants weighing paid work against classes should also check whether a position's hours fit their program, especially if it has scheduled labs or clinical work.

Beyond student jobs, Highline provides career counseling and tools for exploring occupations, preparing résumés, and searching for openings. Job fairs and employer recruitment can create opportunities to meet organizations, but participation does not assure an offer.