At $11,289/yr net price, Bellevue College graduates earn $56,310/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,310/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,289 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,310/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,310/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,806/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,558/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,100/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,408/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,621/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,974 | $16,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $64,990 | $17,522 |
| 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 | $10,354 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Bellevue College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bellevue College offers solid financial value for career-focused students, but comes with significant completion risks that can derail your investment entirely. With a 33.5% graduation rate, two out of three students leave without finishing their degree.
The nursing program delivers strong returns at $65,974 in median earnings against just $16,000 in debt, making it one of the better nursing investments in Washington state. Allied health programs also perform well at nearly $65,000 in earnings. These healthcare tracks justify the time and cost at Bellevue College.
Computer programming graduates earn $47,260, which provides decent value given the low debt loads typical at this school. However, business administration majors face poor prospects at just $32,563 in median earnings. Liberal arts graduates earn even less at $36,141, making these programs financially risky choices.
The school works best for you if you can commit fully to completion in a healthcare program and have strong academic preparation. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or life circumstances that interfere with finishing.
Financial aid opportunities appear limited, with less than 10% of students receiving aid. This means you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. The relatively low net price of $11,289 helps offset this limitation.
Skip Bellevue College if you're considering business or liberal arts programs, or if you have academic struggles that might prevent graduation. The completion risk makes this investment dangerous unless you're confident in your ability to finish a high-earning healthcare program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellevue College worth the cost?
Bellevue College offers solid value with a low net price of $11,289 per year and graduates earning $56,310 annually after 10 years. However, the 33.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying programs at Bellevue College?
Nursing programs at Bellevue College deliver the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $66,000 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $65,000, while computer programming graduates earn $47,260.
How much debt do Bellevue College students graduate with?
Bellevue College graduates carry a median debt of $12,375, which is relatively low compared to four-year universities. This manageable debt load helps improve the school's overall value proposition.
Should I avoid certain majors at Bellevue College for financial reasons?
Liberal arts and business programs at Bellevue College show weaker earning potential, with graduates making $36,141 and $32,563 respectively. These lower salaries may not justify even the relatively affordable tuition costs.