Bellevue College
Located in Bellevue, Washington, Bellevue College is a leading public institution offering a wide range of educational opportunities. Founded in 1966, it’s the largest college in the Washington Community and Technical Colleges system, serving a diverse student population of over 20,000.
At Bellevue College, students can pursue associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. The college is dedicated to student success, providing a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus community.
Established | 1966 |
University Type | Public College |
Faculty to Student Ratio | 14:1 |
Campus Size | Main campus – 100 acres North Campus – 2 acres |
Employment Rate | 86% |
Contact Details | (425) 564-2263 |
Location |
Bellevue College Admissions
Bellevue College has an open admissions policy, meaning that anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent is eligible to apply. This makes higher education accessible to a wide range of students, regardless of their background. However, some specific requirements and processes are depending on your student type:
For all students:
- Application: You can apply online anytime during the fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters.
- Fees: There’s an application fee, but fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
- Transcripts: You’ll need to submit official high school transcripts (or equivalent) and any college transcripts if you have prior college credit.
For international students:
- English proficiency: You’ll need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent. Specific score requirements vary.
- Visa requirements: International students need to obtain the appropriate student visa (typically an F-1 visa). Bellevue College provides guidance and support throughout this process.
For Running Start students:
- Eligibility: Running Start allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to take college courses.
- Requirements: You’ll need to meet specific requirements and get approval from your high school.
For students under 18:
- Age requirements: While the general requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, there are specific age requirements for students who haven’t completed high school.
Bellevue College Courses & Fees
The Bellevue College offers a variety of courses, including undergraduate and associate programs:
|
Program |
Tuition per Academic Year (9 Months)(USD) |
|
Associate Programs |
10,911 |
|
IHSC |
10,911 |
|
Intensive English (ESL) |
9,843 |
|
Bachelors |
21,075 |
|
International Business |
12,536 |
Bellevue College Admissions Requirements
The minimum admission requirement at Bellevue College is to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 with a TOEFL score of 61+. Following are the detailed admission requirements for international students at Bellevue College:
|
Category |
Admission Requirements |
|
Application Fee |
75 USD (Non-Refundable) |
|
Academic Requirements |
|
|
English Proficiency Requirements |
|
|
Additional Requirements |
A bank statement dated within the last 6 months, showing at least $28,762 USD. See an estimated breakdown of Tuition, Fees & Living Expenses.
|
For Bachelors Programs, after you have applied to Bellevue College and been accepted by International Education, you will need to complete all prerequisites for the bachelor program. These may include class and credit requirements, the secondary application itself, and more.
- You must apply directly to the bachelor’s program.
- Each bachelor’s program sets its admission requirements, deadlines, tuition and fees, and admission selection processes.
- Admission is competitive, and you are highly encouraged to start from the associate program level at Bellevue College.
- Accepted international students will be charged the upper division non-resident tuition for their 300 and 400-level courses.
Bellevue College Campus
Bellevue College is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campus features green buildings, recycling programs, and initiatives to reduce energy consumption. The campus has its own gardens, providing fresh produce for the cafeteria and promoting sustainable practices. Bellevue College’s campus provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:
Location and Size:
- Located in Bellevue, Washington, a vibrant city just east of Seattle.
- Situated on 100 wooded acres, offering a beautiful and tranquil setting.
- Easily accessible by public transportation, with bus stops and light rail stations nearby.
Facilities:
- Modern classrooms and labs: Equipped with the latest technology to enhance the learning experience.
- State-of-the-art library: Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.
- Computer labs: Offer students access to computers, software, and high-speed internet.
- Student Center: A hub for student activities, with spaces for socializing, dining, and relaxing.
- Fitness Center: Features a gym, fitness classes, and recreational activities.
- Art Gallery: Showcases student and community artwork.
- Performing Arts Center: Hosts theater productions, concerts, and other cultural events.
Bellevue College Campus Safety
Bellevue College prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. They have a comprehensive approach to campus safety that includes:
- Public Safety Department: A dedicated team of trained professionals provides 24/7 security and emergency response services. They patrol the campus, respond to incidents, and work to prevent crime.
- Emergency Response System: The college has an emergency notification system that alerts the campus community via text messages, emails, and phone calls in case of emergencies.
- Security Cameras: Strategically placed security cameras throughout the campus help monitor activity and deter crime.
- Blue Light Phones: Emergency phones are located throughout the campus, allowing anyone to quickly contact Public Safety in case of an emergency.
- Safety Escorts: Public Safety officers provide safety escorts to students, faculty, and staff who feel unsafe walking alone on campus, especially at night.
- Crime Prevention Programs: The college offers various programs and resources to educate the campus community about safety awareness, crime prevention, and personal safety.
Bellevue College Student Life
Bellevue College offers a vibrant and diverse student life experience. Here are some highlights:
- Clubs and Organizations: Over 80 student clubs and organizations cater to various interests, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities.
- Student Government: The Associated Student Government (ASG) represents the student body and advocates for their interests.
- Events and Activities: The college hosts various events throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts, movie nights, and guest lectures.
- Athletics: Bellevue College has competitive athletic teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field.
- Campus Resources: Students can access various resources, including academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services.
- Community Engagement: The college encourages students to get involved in the local community through volunteer opportunities and service-learning projects.
Accommodation at Bellevue College
Bellevue College offers on-campus housing for students who want to live in a convenient and supportive environment. Here’s what you need to know:
- Residence Hall: The residence hall can accommodate up to 400 students in a variety of suite and apartment-style units.
- Amenities: The residence hall features study lounges, community kitchens, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access.
- 24/7 Support: Housing staff are available 24/7 to support and assist residents.
- Community: Living on campus provides opportunities to build friendships, participate in social events, and feel more connected to the college community.
- Cost: The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the unit type and meal plan chosen.
- Application: Students can apply for on-campus housing online through the Bellevue College website.
Off-Campus Housing:
- Bellevue College provides resources and assistance in finding suitable housing options in the surrounding community for students who prefer to live off-campus.
Bellevue College Scholarships
While Bellevue College does offer some scholarships for international students, it’s important to know that funding opportunities specifically for international students can be more limited compared to those for domestic students. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and how to find more:
Bellevue College Foundation Scholarships:
- General Eligibility: International students are eligible to apply for most of these scholarships.
- Types of Awards: Merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships. Amounts vary but typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Application Process: A single application is considered for most scholarships. Requires essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Deadlines: Typically in March for the following academic year.
Important Notes on BC Foundation Scholarships:
- Competition: These are open to ALL students, so the pool of applicants is large.
Not Guaranteed: Receiving a scholarship is not guaranteed, even with strong qualifications.
Bellevue College Placements
Bellevue College has a dedicated Career Services center that helps students with resumes, interviews, job searching, and career exploration.
- Industry Connections: They work with local employers to connect students with internships and job opportunities.
- Alumni Network: Alumni often return to recruit Bellevue College graduates.
Program-Specific Outcomes:
- Nursing: Their nursing program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate (the licensing exam), a key indicator of successful placement in the field.
- IT Programs: Graduates of IT programs (e.g., cybersecurity, web development) are in high demand in the Seattle area, with many finding employment in tech companies.
- Business: The Business program emphasizes practical skills, and graduates often find roles in marketing, management, and accounting.
Bellevue College Alumni
Bellevue College is actively building its alumni network and resources, recognizing the value of staying connected with former students. Following are some of the notable alumni of Bellevue College:
Name | Profession | Notes |
Jim Caviezel | Actor | Known for roles in “The Passion of the Christ”, “Frequency”, and the TV series “Person of Interest” |
Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) | Rapper, Songwriter | Grammy Award-winning artist, part of the hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Attended, but did not graduate from, Bellevue College. |
Larry Andersen | Former Major League Baseball Pitcher | Played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. |
David Basinger | Politician (Washington State Representative) | Served in the Washington House of Representatives. |
Alexander Dockery | Politician (Missouri State Senator) | Served in the Missouri Senate. |
Location of Bellevue College
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for international students at Bellevue College?
To be considered for admission, international students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 6.0), and submit official transcripts. You’ll also need to obtain an F-1 student visa.
Does Bellevue College offer conditional admission if my English proficiency isn’t high?
Yes, Bellevue College offers conditional admission through their Intensive English Program (IEP). If you don’t meet the TOEFL/IELTS requirements, you can study in the IEP and then transition to academic programs once you achieve the required scores.
Can I work while studying at Bellevue College on an F-1 visa?
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. After the first year, you may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for off-campus work related to your field of study.
Does Bellevue College offer on-campus housing for international students?
Yes, Bellevue College has a residence hall with various room types, including shared and single rooms. You can find information about costs and how to apply on their housing website.
What support services does Bellevue provide for international students?
Bellevue College has an International Education department dedicated to supporting international students. They offer assistance with visa processing, academic advising, cultural adjustment, and more.
Can I transfer my credits from Bellevue College to another university?
Yes, Bellevue College has transfer agreements with many universities, particularly within Washington state. This allows you to start your education at Bellevue College and then seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Does Bellevue College offer any scholarships for international students?
While there aren’t scholarships exclusively for international students, you can apply for most Bellevue College Foundation scholarships and many external scholarships.
How can I get involved in student life at Bellevue College?
Bellevue College has over 80 student clubs and organizations catering to various interests. There are also events, activities, and athletic teams to join.
What is the campus safety like at Bellevue College?
Bellevue College prioritizes campus safety with 24/7 security patrols, emergency response systems, security cameras, and safety escorts. They also offer crime prevention programs and resources.
