Bellevue College | Field Guide 2021

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Bellevue College (BC) prepares students for what's next in their lives — whether it's pursuing a degree pathway, preparing for the academic rigor of a four-year university, advancing in a current career, or simply learning a new skill.

With a strong history of innovation and national recognition for exemplary programs, BC enrolls nearly 20,000 students annually, awarding certificates, associate degrees, and a growing list of bachelor's degrees in high-demand, specialized career fields. BC transfers the most students to four-year universities than any other college in Washington state.

The campus stretches across 100 wooded acres and is located within easy reach of the city centers of Bellevue and Seattle.

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Key Facts

Highest Enrolled Programs

Business Administration/ Management/Digital Marketing
Nursing
Interior Design
Radiologic Technology/Imaging
Computer Science

Enrollment

Headcount (all sources): 25,391
FTES (all sources): 11,515
Headcount (state-funded): 15,135
FTES (state-funded): 7,123

Students in Selected Programs

Applied bachelor's: 899
I-BEST: 65
International: 1,501
Running Start: 2,895
Worker Retraining: 243

Student Profile

Type of Student

Academic/transfer: 39%
Basic skills: 9%
Other: 8%
Workforce education: 44%

Race/Ethnicity*

American Indian/Alaska Native: 2%
Asian: 31%
Black/African American: 7%
Hispanic/Latino: 13%
Pacific Islander: 1%
Other race: 3%
White: 54%

Attendance

Full-time: 41%
Part-time: 59%

Family and Finances

Students receiving need-based financial aid: 16%
Students who work: 53%
Students with children: 21%

Gender

Female: 58%
Male: 42%

Median age

Points of Interest

Business and technology programs in demand

Business programs, including business administration, management and digital marketing, are BC’s highest enrolled programs. The BC Institute for Business and Information Technology (IBIT) has had a 9% increase in enrollment in the past year. BC offers practical degrees and certificates that fast-track student entry — or reentry — into the workforce. BC students can complete a certificate in as little as 25 credits, earn a two-year associate degree, or start their path toward a bachelor’s in a high-demand field.

Health Sciences graduates serve the community

The Health Sciences, Education and Wellness Institute at Bellevue College offers programs that address some of the most critical workforce needs in Washington state. BC has 10 programs to start or further health care careers, including three bachelor’s and applied bachelor’s degrees, six associate degrees and numerous certificates. For busy professionals, BC offers three online Bachelor of Applied Science degrees: Healthcare Informatics; Healthcare Management and Leadership; and Radiation and Imaging Sciences. Nursing and Radiologic Technology and Imaging Sciences are two of BC’s most in-demand programs. BC’s health care programs receive high rankings, including No. 1 among Top 10 Best Associate in Medical Sonography Degrees by CollegeChoice.net and No. 4 Best Online RN-to-BSN Nursing School in Washington state by TopRNtoBSN.com.

Running Start enrollment surging

In 2020-21, more than 2,800 high school students will earn high school and college credits through BC’s Running Start program. Running Start has seen tremendous growth at BC, 18% in the past year alone. Running Start gives high school students the opportunity to advance their course work, earn their high school degree while earning college credits, and challenge themselves academically while in a college setting. Students have a great variety of class options at BC, while exploring career and college pathways.

Data is from the 2019-20 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted.

*May not add up to 100% because students may be counted in more than one race. Percentages calculated on reported value.