About Bellevue College
The financial picture tells a compelling story for Washington residents paying just $4,305 in tuition. Even after factoring in living costs, the average net price sits at $11,289 annually. Graduates earn a median of $56,310 ten years out, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $12,375. Those numbers represent solid returns on investment, especially for students staying local in the high-wage Seattle metro area.
The student body reflects the region's diversity, with Asian students comprising 19.69% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 13.36%. Only 363 on-campus housing spots exist, so most students commute from around the Puget Sound region. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention during the critical early college years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 29.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 32.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,310
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,974 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $64,990 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $36,141 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,563 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,213 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly, with 96.77% of students from Washington state creating a locally-connected community. Campus sits in one of the nation's wealthiest suburbs, surrounded by tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon where many students intern or work part-time. With 44.46% men and 55.54% women, the student body reflects the area's diversity at 32.36% White, 19.69% Asian, and 13.36% Hispanic. Weekends often mean Seattle adventures via light rail or outdoor activities in the nearby Cascades. The commuter-heavy environment means campus life centers around clubs, study groups, and the 11 varsity sports programs that engage 145 student athletes.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 363 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.5%
- Women
- 55.5%
- White
- 32.4%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 13.4%
- Asian
- 19.7%
- In-State Students
- 96.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.8%
Location
- Address
- Bellevue, Washington 98007-6484
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,310
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,260
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $131/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,375
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Bellevue College?
Bellevue College operates as an open-access community college, meaning students don't face competitive admission barriers. The college serves 6,901 students primarily from Washington state, with 96.77% being in-state residents. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.
How much does Bellevue College cost after financial aid?
Students at Bellevue College pay an average net price of $11,289 annually. In-state tuition runs just $4,305, making it one of the most affordable options in the region. Only 9.77% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving middle-income families in the affluent Eastside area.
What academic programs is Bellevue College known for?
Bellevue College specializes in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and professional training certificates. The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its quarter system. Students benefit from strong connections to local tech companies and healthcare systems in the Seattle metropolitan area.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Bellevue College?
The college reports a 32.43% four-year graduation rate and 33.50% six-year rate, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,310 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 90.9%, reflecting strong job placement in the thriving Eastside economy.
Does Bellevue College offer on-campus housing?
Bellevue College provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 363 students out of its 6,901 total enrollment. Room and board costs $19,422 annually for those who live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding Bellevue and Eastside communities where many already have family ties.
What sports and athletics does Bellevue College offer?
The Bellevue College Bulldogs compete in 11 varsity sports with 145 total athletes participating. The college awards $169,542 in athletic scholarships annually. The athletics program emphasizes both competitive excellence and academic transfer preparation, helping student-athletes continue their sports careers at four-year institutions.
