Highline College vs Green River College

Highline College and Green River College, both esteemed institutions in the Pacific Northwest, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. Highline College, located in Des Moines, Washington, boasts an acceptance rate of 100%, welcoming students from all backgrounds. Green River College, situated in Auburn, Washington, has a slightly more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. While Highline College excels in programs like Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities, Green River College shines in fields such as Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Both colleges cater to a diverse student body, with Highline College having a higher percentage of female students and Green River College having a larger international student population. When it comes to graduation rates, Highline College reports a 38% completion rate within six years, while Green River College boasts a slightly higher rate of 42%. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we've
Green River College logo

Green River College

Highline College logo

Highline College

Overview

Location Auburn, Washington Des Moines, Washington
Campus setting City: Small Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Quarter Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $20,094

Out of state: $20,556
In state: $20,334

Out of state: $20,803
Average net price $9,324 $9,882
Tuition
In state: $3,826

Out of state: $4,288
$3,445
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

35.0%
Average amount $6,502
35.0%
Average amount $5,583
Students receiving federal student loan 6.0%
Average amount $3,832
2.0%
Average amount $5,614
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $9,104
0.0%
Average amount $7,202

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,559
Men 48.3% Women 51.7%
4,951
Men 37.4% Women 62.6%
Graduate students N/A N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 3.6% 2.7%
International students 10.4% 3.7%
Campus local/setting City: Small Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity N/A 160
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Washington California Oregon Idaho Texas Washington Hawaii Oregon Alaska Arkansas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 10:1
Institutional accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome

Graduation rate 38.0% 35.8%
Dropout rate 34.8% 35.3%
Transferred out 18.1% 21.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,653
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $69,747
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,154
  • Year 2: $40,438
  • Year 3: $40,844
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,948
  • Year 2: $28,960
  • Year 3: $40,192
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $31,974
  • Year 3: $35,459

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Highline College and Green River College?

    Highline College is known for its diverse student body and strong international programs, while Green River College is recognized for its scenic campus and robust outdoor recreation programs. Highline is located in Des Moines, closer to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, offering easy access to transportation. Green River is situated in Auburn, providing a more suburban environment. Program offerings also vary; it's best to explore specific departments of interest on each college's website.

  • Which college, Highline or Green River, is better for international students?

    Highline College has a long-standing reputation for its comprehensive international student support services and a large international student population. While Green River College also welcomes international students, Highline's established infrastructure and diverse international community may be a better fit for some.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between Highline College and Green River College?

    Tuition costs at Highline College and Green River College are generally comparable for Washington state residents. However, out-of-state and international student tuition may differ slightly. It's recommended to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fee schedules.

  • Which college has better transfer options to four-year universities?

    Both Highline College and Green River College offer strong transfer programs to four-year universities in Washington state and beyond. They both have articulation agreements with many institutions, making it easier for students to transfer credits. The 'better' option depends on your intended major and transfer university; research which college has stronger partnerships or specific transfer pathways for your chosen field.

  • What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at Highline College and Green River College?

    Both colleges offer a variety of student clubs, organizations, and activities. Highline College boasts a diverse range of clubs reflecting its international student population, as well as strong student government. Green River College offers a more outdoors-focused experience with clubs related to hiking, camping, and other recreational activities, taking advantage of its location. Both colleges also have athletic programs and student support services.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Highline College and Green River College?

    Highline College has a more urban campus environment in Des Moines, with convenient access to public transportation and the airport. Green River College offers a more traditional, suburban campus setting in Auburn, with a greater emphasis on natural surroundings and outdoor spaces. Consider which environment best suits your learning and lifestyle preferences.

  • Which college is stronger in specific academic programs, like nursing or engineering?

    Both Highline College and Green River College offer a range of academic programs. It's best to research the specific programs you're interested in on each college's website. Look at faculty expertise, program accreditation, and student outcomes to determine which college offers a stronger program in your chosen field. Contacting the departments directly can also provide valuable insights.

  • What resources are available for students with disabilities at Highline College and Green River College?

    Both Highline College and Green River College are committed to providing accessible learning environments for students with disabilities. They both offer disability support services, including accommodations, assistive technology, and academic advising. Contact the disability support services office at each college to learn more about the specific resources available.

  • How do the advising and counseling services compare at Highline College and Green River College?

    Both Highline College and Green River College offer academic advising and counseling services to support students' academic and personal success. The specific approaches and resources may vary, so it's recommended to explore the advising and counseling websites of each college to learn more about their services and how they can help you achieve your goals.

  • Are there differences in the types of financial aid or scholarships offered by Highline College and Green River College?

    Both Highline College and Green River College offer a range of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The specific scholarships available may differ, so it's important to explore the scholarship pages on each college's website. Additionally, both colleges participate in federal and state financial aid programs. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in determining your eligibility for financial aid at either institution.

Compare Similar Colleges

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