2025 admissions data

Bellevue College Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 17.4% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 17 actually get in. No guessing. Bellevue College is a 2YEAR institution located in Bellevue, WA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Bellevue College is an excellent choice for students seeking a flexible pathway to higher education, particularly those interested in transferring to four-year universities. It's less suited for individuals who are looking for a traditional four-year campus life experience, as Bellevue primarily serves students pursuing associate degrees and technical programs. Additionally, while academic support services like mentoring are offered, students might find fewer extracurricular options compared to larger institutions. A notable trade-off here is the diverse pathways toward degrees versus the more limited on-campus social scene typical at community colleges.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

16.1%

Acceptance Rate

Women

18.6%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

6,820

Admitted

1,184

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Bellevue College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

MathN/A

ReadingN/A

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How Competitive Is Bellevue College? Making Sense of the Acceptance Rate

Students often equate acceptance rate with competitiveness, but the relationship isn’t always straightforward. The acceptance rate at Bellevue College offers a useful snapshot, yet it doesn’t capture the full admissions landscape.

With an acceptance rate of 17.4%, Bellevue College admits a significant portion of its applicants—but that doesn’t mean admissions outcomes are uniform. Different students experience different levels of competition based on how and where they apply.

The Hidden Layers Behind Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates are shaped by applicant mix. Universities that attract students across a wide academic spectrum often report higher acceptance rates, even when expectations within certain programs are rigorous.

At Bellevue College, students applying with a clear academic focus may encounter a very different admissions process than those applying without a defined direction. Program demand, preparation level, and alignment all matter.

Why Context Matters More Than Percentages

Acceptance rates are best understood as context, not conclusions. They help frame the admissions environment but don’t account for individual strengths or weaknesses.

For students researching the acceptance rate at Bellevue College, the most valuable takeaway is not the number itself, but what it suggests about how competitive the applicant pool might be—and how preparation and fit influence outcomes.

Admissions Insight

One significant aspect of Bellevue College is its strong emphasis on transfer programs, which has a profound impact on student outcomes. This focus not only caters to students aiming to complete their degrees but also aligns with local four-year institutions to facilitate seamless transitions. The college is recognized for having crafted its transfer protocols to ensure students are well-prepared, thereby maximizing their chances of success at four-year universities. Unlike many community colleges that offer limited guidance on transferring, Bellevue provides dedicated transfer associate degrees designed specifically for those planning to continue their education. This responsiveness to student needs is crucial, as it influences not just the immediate academic experience but long-term career outcomes. Students who engage actively with the transfer resources often see higher rates of success, both in enrollment at four-year universities and in their subsequent career trajectories. In essence, students at Bellevue who leverage these offerings are positioned to achieve greater economic mobility, as evidenced by the median salary figures for alumni. Moreover, programs aligned with pathways like STEM or Humanities encourage students to make informed choices about their majors early on, which further enhances transfer success rates. In contrast, students who do not utilize these resources may find themselves at a disadvantage, falling into a cycle where they grapple with limited direction and less favorable transfer outcomes. Thus, understanding the intricacies of transfer mechanisms at Bellevue College is key to optimizing one’s educational journey.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $66

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://bellevuecollege.edu/admissions/apply/

Your Chances of Getting Into Bellevue College

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Bellevue College based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Should Bellevue College Be on Your College List?

By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether Bellevue College belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.

Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.

Making a Balanced Application Decision

Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place Bellevue College into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.

What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.

Should You Apply to Bellevue College?

If 17.4% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Bellevue College

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Bellevue College Acceptance Rate

What is the difference between Bellevue College's associate and bachelor's degree programs?

Bellevue College offers associate degrees that provide foundational education and allow students to transfer to four-year universities, while bachelor's programs, available through partnerships, offer advanced degrees that typically take four years to complete.

How does Bellevue College's transfer agreement work with four-year universities?

Bellevue has established transfer agreements with various four-year institutions that facilitate the transition for students completing associate degrees, ensuring that credits earned are recognized and applied toward a bachelor's degree.

What support services are available for first-generation or underrepresented students?

Bellevue College offers several support services including mentoring through programs like Neurodiversity Navigators and Umoja, specifically tailored to assist first-generation and underrepresented students in their educational journeys.

What is the typical class size at Bellevue College?

Class sizes at Bellevue College generally range from 20 to 30 students, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors while still providing a collaborative learning environment.

How much does it cost to attend Bellevue College?

Tuition costs at Bellevue College vary depending on residency status, with lower rates for Washington state residents. Additional fees for books and materials should also be considered when budgeting for attendance.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Bellevue College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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