OVERVIEW

Bellevue College, formerly called Bellevue Community College, or BCC for short, is a public higher education institution in the United States. With an enrollment of about 35,000 students every academic year, it is the second largest higher education institution in the state of Washington, behind the University of Washington.

The college was founded in the year of 1966 as an alternative higher education place for the residents of the east side of Lake Washington. Its 100-acre Main Campus is located on 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E., Bellevue, which comprises twelve educational buildings, and it has a North Campus, and four additional sites in the community of Bellevue where Continuing Education courses are offered.

Bellevue College offers degrees in associate’s and Bachelor’s programs, and has a number of collaborative bachelor’s programs with other higher educational institutions such as Washington State University, the University of Washington, and Eastern Washington University.

The mission of Bellevue College is:

Bellevue College is a student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence, that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

ACCREDITATION

Bellevue College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as a baccalaureate degree-granting institution. The most recent accreditation was conducted in 2010.

ACADEMICS

The college offers seven degrees, certificates and programs:

1. Bachelor of Applied Science in Radiation and Imaging Sciences
2. Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design
3. Associate-degree transfer programs in 58 focus areas
4. Associate-degree programs in Occupational Life Skills
5. Professional and technical associate degrees and/or certificates in 95 areas
6. Career-training certificate programs in Microsoft technology, business, technical communication, health professions, translation & interpretation and art
7. Developmental programs in Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language

At Bellevue, many students choose to earn their college freshman and sophomore credits to receive an associate degree, and then transfer to a four-year higher education institution to continue with their education. At the same time, a number of high school programs are offered at the college for high school juniors and seniors.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Bellevue is not a selective college. For first-time college students, the completion of the application is required, and it is also important to pay the application fee before the deadline. Transcripts are required if the student applies for graduation or for an official evaluation of credits.

COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

The tuition and fees vary among different degrees and programs, and they are calculated on the basis of credits and on a division of lower or upper division courses.

At Bellevue, a wide range of financial assistance, such as scholarships, workforce education programs, and multicultural services are offered for students to continue their study without being much bothered with the tuitions and fees.