At $28,345/yr net price, Bellevue University graduates earn $61,289/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,289/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,345 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,380 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,289/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,289/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,018/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,266/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,636/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,117/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,115/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $83,177 | $45,161 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $80,152 | $39,039 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $78,971 | $24,139 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,495 | $42,184 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,005 | $41,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $63,005 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $60,689 | $24,192 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at Bellevue University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bellevue University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for tech programs but concerning completion rates that undermine value for many students.
Your best financial bet lies in computer science and information systems, where graduates earn $78,000 to $83,000 annually. The Management Information Systems program stands out with $78,971 median earnings and just $24,139 in debt. Business Administration also performs well at $71,495, though debt loads climb to $42,184.
The school's biggest financial risk is its 56% graduation rate and 51% retention rate. If you transfer or drop out, you face debt without a degree. This makes Bellevue particularly risky if you're uncertain about your commitment or need significant academic support.
Your debt burden stays manageable across most programs, with the $20,000 median well below national averages. This lower debt partially offsets the graduation rate concerns, but only if you actually finish your degree.
Bellevue works financially if you're targeting business or technology careers and confident about degree completion. The school serves working adults well, with flexible scheduling that helps you earn while learning. However, traditional students with stronger academic records should consider schools with higher graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches just 29% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on merit scholarships if your grades and test scores are competitive. The private tuition creates a high-cost, high-risk scenario unless you land significant aid or pursue the highest-earning programs.
Skip Bellevue if you're exploring majors outside business and technology, need extensive academic support, or can access similar programs at lower-cost public universities with better completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellevue University worth the cost?
Bellevue University's value depends heavily on your program choice. Computer science and IT management graduates earn $78,000-$83,000 annually, making the $28,345 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs may not justify the expense with average graduate earnings of $61,289.
What is the return on investment for Bellevue University graduates?
Bellevue University graduates earn a median of $61,289 ten years after graduation, which provides a reasonable return for tech-focused programs but may be underwhelming for other majors given the annual cost. The 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
How much debt do Bellevue University students typically graduate with?
Bellevue University graduates carry a median debt of $20,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. This debt level is reasonable for computer science graduates earning over $80,000 but could be problematic for lower-paying majors.
Which programs at Bellevue University offer the best job prospects?
Computer science, IT administration, and management information systems are Bellevue University's strongest programs for employment outcomes, with graduates earning $78,000-$83,000 annually. Business administration graduates earn about $71,000, while other programs may not provide the same earning potential.