- Bellevue Community College is a comprehensive and innovative college that advances the life-long educational development of its students consistent with their needs, interests, and abilities while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of its diverse community. The college accomplishes this purpose by providing high-quality, flexible educational programs and services that are academically, geographically, and financially accessible. Committed to teaching and learning excellence and employee growth and development, the college nurtures a supportive environment throughout its programs and services.
School Highlights
Bellevue College serves 12,485 students (52% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 32:1 is higher than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 12,485 students
- In-state tuition: $3,754
- Out-state tuition: $8,944
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
- Minority enrollment: 70%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Bellevue College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 387 teachers has declined by 54% over five years.
Bellevue College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1966
Campus Size
100 acres
Total Faculty
387 staff
156 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Bellevue College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 32:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The Bellevue College diversity score of 0.80 is more than the state average of 0.77. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,485 students
3,791 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
32:1
24:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
6,446 students
1,835 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
6,039 students
1,956 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
12,485 students
3,741 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,446 students
1,835 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,039 students
1,956 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
400 students
150 students
% Asian
24%
9%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
11%
19%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
4%
6%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
30%
40%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
8%
8%
% Non Resident races
6%
3%
% Unknown races
16%
14%
Diversity Score
0.80
0.77
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years) (Year 2007)
24%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
30%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$47,000
$36,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $3,754 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,944 is more than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,754
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,944
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
41%
70%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,500
$11,794
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,334
$6,242
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Acceptance Rate
100%
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Bellevue Community College officially opened its doors on January 3, 1966, fulfilling the community's dream of a local, accessible institution of higher education. Lacking facilities of its own, the college held classes in the evening at Newport Senior High School. In the decades since, the college has grown to become the third largest institution of higher learning in the state, and has emerged as an educational leader, known nationally for its innovations. A two-year associate degree from BCC provides you with options—to transfer to a four-year university, learn a new career or pursue general studies. Certificate programs, which require less time to complete than an associate degree, help you acquire skills and experience in a variety of career areas in a shorter time period. BCC's flexible class options allow you to complete program requirements at convenient times that work for you. You may also choose to earn a degree or certificate completely online. Bellevue Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Redmond, Wash.), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bellevue College cost?
Bellevue College's tuition is approximately $3,754 for In-State students and $8,944 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Bellevue College?
The acceptance rate of Bellevue College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 75%.
What is Bellevue College's ranking?
Bellevue College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Diversity in US community colleges, Average community college minority breakdown and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Bellevue College located?
Bellevue College is located in the Lake Hills neighborhood of Bellevue, WA.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Bellevue College is Renton Technical College (6.5 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Renton Technical College
Public
3000 NE Fourth St
Renton, WA 98056
(425) 235-2352
Renton, WA 98056
(425) 235-2352
6.5 miles
Enrollment: 2,824 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 In-state tuition: $4,735 Out-state tuition: $4,735 Minority enrollment: 78%
11605 132nd Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 739-8100
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 739-8100
8.3 miles
Enrollment: 3,564 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Seattle Central College
Public
1701 Broadway Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 934-3800
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 934-3800
8.3 miles
Enrollment: 5,396 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 In-state tuition: $3,893 Out-state tuition: $9,083 Minority enrollment: 76%
Pima Medical Institute-Renton
Private for-profit
555 South Renton Village Place Suite 110
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 228-9600
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 228-9600
8.5 miles
Enrollment: 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Acceptance rate: 100% Minority enrollment: 68%
Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Private not-for-profit
305 Harrison St Ste 405
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 428-6350
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 428-6350
9.8 miles
Enrollment: 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Acceptance rate: 42% Minority enrollment: 45%
Recent Articles
Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
