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 gives you a middling financial return with one clear risk sitting on top of it. The $61,289 median earnings ten years out beat the sticker price, and $20,000 in median debt is low enough that most borrowers can pay it down without drowning. The problem is finishing: barely half of students come back after year one, and only 56% graduate. If you leave with debt and no degree, none of the earnings math applies to you.
Your major decides your outcome here. Management Information Systems is the strongest bet, with graduates earning nearly $79,000 and carrying about $24,000 in debt, which pays off cleanly. Nursing is the second solid choice near $68,000. Business Administration sits at $60,689 with the same $24,000 debt load as MIS but $18,000 less in yearly earnings, so it works but stretches the payoff. Computer Programming lands lowest of the top five at $55,964, though its debt is also the lowest, keeping it viable.
The net price is the specific risk. At roughly $28,000 a year, it barely moves across income brackets, and higher-income families actually pay more, over $32,000 if you earn above $110,000. That flat pricing means low-income families get little relief from the sticker cost. Combined with the retention rate, you are paying a full private-school price at a school where finishing is not guaranteed.
Bellevue fits you if you are targeting MIS, nursing, or business and you are confident you will finish, especially as a working adult who can push through to the degree. Look elsewhere if you need a school to carry you across the finish line or if you want a program outside those few high-earning tracks, because the flat net price gives you no discount for taking that risk.
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.