Enrollment Information

Welcome Center

The Welcome Center is located on the first floor of the U-Building. The Welcome Center provides visitors, prospective and new students information about the college, and entry processes that include:

• Campus tours and information about college degree programs and services
• How to get started at Bellevue College
• Admission
• Information about English and math placement, and transfer of credits

Admissions

Bellevue College Admits:

1. Eligible applicants who are at least eighteen (18) years of age, or are a high school graduate, hold a GED or other equivalent high school credential.
2. High school students who apply under the provisions of a Washington State student enrollment options program such as Running Start, Career Education Options (CEO), or Summer Enrichment.
3. Underage students on a case-by-case basis, and as determined by the Dean of Student Central.
4. Selected applicants to specific programs with selective admission criteria. Due to enrollment limitations, these programs may not admit all qualified applicants. 

Application Process

General Admission: New Students

New students must take the following steps before registering for classes:

1. Complete the online admission application by the deadline for the quarter they wish to begin taking classes.

• An admission fee is charged, but students do not pay the fee until they pay their first quarter tuition.

2. Obtain English and math placement using one of the options listed on the Testing & Placement Services website.

• A Placement fee is charged, but students do not pay the fee until they pay their first quarter tuition.

3. Attend the New Student Orientation.

4. Follow directions provided in the “Welcome Letter” email, sent shortly after submission of the admission application. Students who are new to college are required to take a First-Year Experience (FYE) class before completing their first quarter of classes.

Prospective and new students may contact the Welcome Center for assistance and detailed information about the college and the admission process and requirements.

Note: Once the admission application is processed, applicants become students at Bellevue College and are subject to the rules and policies of the college, including the Student Code of Conduct. Admission remains active for one year after a student stops attending classes, or never attends classes.

General Admission: Former Students

Students who previously submitted a general admissions application do not re-apply for admissions and can register during the open registration period. Students who participated in programs that did not require a general admissions application (Running Start, ESL, GED, Continuing Education, etc) must submit the general admissions application to determine residency for tuition purposes.

Bachelor Degree Programs

Students applying for admission to the bachelor’s degree programs must meet the application deadline and entrance requirements to be considered. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of available enrollment spaces. 

Selective-Admission Programs

Students applying for the selective-admission associate degree or certificate programs must meet the application deadlines and entrance requirements and follow the guidelines prescribed by the specific program.

The following programs have selective admissions processes. Check specific programs for more information.

• Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology
• Medical Dosimetry
• Neurodiagnostic Technologist 
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Nursing
• Occupational and Life Skills
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiologic Technology

International Students

Bellevue College (BC) is authorized by the U.S. federal government to issue Form I-20 and DS 2019 to admit and enroll international students in F and J visa categories. Students who meet BC’s international admission requirements may enroll in the College credit programs, the International High School Completion program, the Bridge Pathway program, the Intensive English program, or the International Business Professions (IBP) program. International students on an F-1 or a J-1 visa are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits per quarter or at least 18 to 20 clock hours of attendance a week for the intensive English program each quarter.

As a condition of participating in the international student program, nearly all F-1 visa holders on BC’s I-20 are required to join the BC-Foundation arranged Accident and Sickness Medical Benefit plan every quarter including approved vacation and first time Reduced Course Load (RCL) terms. Mandatory enrollment in the Accident and Sickness Medical Benefit plan is a requirement imposed by the BC Foundation in the International Shared Funding Agreement. F-1 students who become ineligible for the BC-Foundation arranged plan will need to secure other coverage and submit proof of coverage to International Education immediately.

Bellevue College admits international students four times a year in fall, winter, spring, and summer, except the IBP program, which admits fall and spring only. For more details, please go to the IE website at bellevuecollege.edu/international/future-students.

College Credit Programs

International students are admitted to the college credit programs upon meeting the following requirements:  

• Completed and signed online international student application with the non-refundable application fee
• Proof of English language proficiency as defined by International Education
• Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school
• Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application
• Applicants 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the signed Limited Power of Attorney to Make Healthcare Decision for My Minor Child and Attorney-in-Fact forms as well as proof of high school graduation or equivalent.

International High School Completion (IHSC) Program

International students are admitted to the IHSC program upon meeting the following requirements: 

• Completed and signed online international student application with the non-refundable application fee
• Proof of English language proficiency* as defined by International Education
• Transcripts in English that show the applicant has completed the U.S. equivalent of 9th grade in the student’s home country or other location. Successful completion of the U.S. equivalent of 10th grade is strongly advised
• Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application
• Applicants 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the signed Limited Power of Attorney to Make Healthcare Decision for My Minor Child and Attorney-in-Fact forms

*Proof of English language proficiency is not required if an IHSC applicant wishes to start from BC’s intensive English/University Preparation (UP) program.

Bridge Pathway Program

International students are admitted to the Bridge Pathway program upon meeting the following requirements:  

• Completed and signed online international student application with the non-refundable application fee
• Proof of English language proficiency as defined by International Education
• Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school
• Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application
• Applicants 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the signed Limited Power of Attorney to Make Healthcare Decision for My Minor Child and Attorney-in-Fact forms.

Intensive English/University Preparation (UP) Program

International students are admitted to the Intensive English/University Preparation (UP) program upon meeting the following requirements:

• Completed and signed online international student application with the non-refundable application fee
• Transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school
• Certification of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of application
• Applicants 16 and 17 years of age must also submit the signed Limited Power of Attorney to Make Healthcare Decision for My Minor Child and Attorney-in-Fact forms.

International Business Professions (IBP) Program

International students are admitted to the International Business Professions (IBP) program in fall and spring quarters only upon meeting the following requirements:

Track A and B

• Completed and signed online international student application with the non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts in English from the applicant’s current or most recent school
• Certificate of financial support dated not more than six (6) months from the date of submission
• Proof of high school completion (i.e. diploma and/or transcript) and be at least 18 years old
• Proof of English language proficiency as defined by International Education.

Student Central

Student Central is located on the first floor of U Building (Student Success Building). Student Central advisors support student success by offering a full service approach for the departments listed below. Working in consultation with students, advisors resolve issues, answer questions, and provide information about next steps based on individual student need. Services available in Student Central include:

• Enrollment Services
• Financial Aid
• Evaluations and Graduation
• Information regarding placement into English and math

Registration

After students complete the admission process, they are generally ready to register for classes. Students are encouraged to register online, and may contact Student Central for assistance with the registration process if needed. Students must understand the following information and rules:

• When to register for the upcoming quarter
  • Refer to the Enrollment or Student Central calendar
  • Look up assigned registration time on the website
• The type of classes they plan to take
  • Credit classes for degree or certificates online, or on the main campus
  • Continuing Education classes generally offered on the North Campus
• The class schedule is available online. The online class schedule provides the following:
  • Course description
  • Dates and times classes are held
  • Requirements for registration, if any
  • Other pertinent or important information
• The college maintains a separate schedule for non-credit continuing education classes.
• Check to see if a prerequisite class is required before registering for a class, and how to clear that prerequisite if taken at another school
• Know specific registration terms and processes
  • Audit a Class: Elect to register for a class, and pay full tuition and fees, but receive no credit. The college places a grade of N on the transcript
  • Class permission: A code obtained from the instructor or division office for classes with an “consent required”/”instructor permission” designation
  • Late Registration: Check the academic calendar. Requires an Instructor Petition from the instructor. The college charges a fee for registration that occurs after the deadline for a 100% refund. Check the academic calendar for exact dates.
  • Wait List: The College offers a waitlist for most credit classes when registration for a class has reached the maximum number of students allowed. Students placed on a waitlist move into classes as space becomes available. Students should check their schedules and BC email regularly for notification of registration into a wait-listed class.
• 21 credits or less is the maximum number of credits students may register for each quarter
  • Registration for more 21 credits requires a 3.0, or B cumulative grade point average (GPA), and submission of an online request form
• Full-time registration is 12 or more credits per quarter
• Registration is not complete until students pay their tuition and fees in full

Withdrawing from a Class or Classes

• Students must check the Academic Calendar for withdrawal deadlines
• Students may withdraw online, or contact Student Central for assistance
• The college may withdraw students who fail to pay tuition and fees by the posted deadline, but students should not count on the college to withdraw them for non-payment.
• If students decide not to attend school, they should withdraw themselves from classes to avoid tuition charges and failing grades on the official transcript
• Instructors do not withdraw students from classes
• Students do not need instructor or college permission to withdraw
• Students withdrawing from classes after the tenth day of the quarter (earlier for summer quarter) receive a W grade on their transcript, which represents an official withdrawal from the class/es

Continuing Education Courses (Non-Credit)

Registration for Continuing Education courses is available before credit class registration and do not require admission or a registration appointment date. Tuition and fees are listed with each class description in the Continuing Education schedule. Continuing Education students may register by mail, fax, e-mail, phone, or website (www.bellevuecollege.edu/ce/).

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees may be paid through Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card, online at https://www.ctc.edu/~bellevue/webcc/webcc.html; by check or cash at the Student Financial Services office in the Student Success Building. Checks returned because of stop payment will be charged, and the student will be immediately withdrawn from all courses. All other returned checks will result in the student being withdrawn after being notified of the reason for withdrawal, with a fee for reinstatement. After the third returned check, including third-party personal checks, the privilege of check writing will be denied.

Tuition and Fee Rates

The following information shows the per credit per quarter resident and non-resident 2020-21 tuition and fees in effect at the time of publication. (See “Residency” for definitions.)

Please note that all tuition and fee rates are subject to change by the Board of Trustees and/ or the Washington State Legislature. Check the most recent Credit Class Schedule or the BC website (www.bellevuecollege.edu) for current tuition and fee amounts. Additional fees are described below.

Tuition for Self-Support Programs

Occupational and Life Skills, and selected other programs are self-supporting - that is, they do not receive state funding. These programs have separate tuition structures and do not grant tuition and fee waivers. For self-support programs, you pay the full fee, regardless of your residency status. Self-support fees are shown within course listings in the quarterly class schedule.

Fees

In addition to the tuition, mandatory fees are:

• A comprehensive fee of $1.50 per credit with a $15 maximum.
• A commute reduction fee of $1.70 per credit with a $17 maximum.
• A technology fee of $3.50 per credit 1-10 credits and $3.50 per credit beyond 18 credits.
• An environmental sustainability fee of $1.00 per credit with a $10 maximum.

Certain courses require fees for laboratory use, licensing, and other costs. These fees are identified in the class schedule.

Fee for eLearning Courses

Online/hybrid courses have a fee that pays for hardware, software and licensing. These fees are identified in the Credit Class Schedule next to each eLearning course.

Fee for Continuing Education Courses

Fees for Continuing Education classes are included within course listings in the quarterly Continuing Education schedule. Residency in Washington State is not required for these classes; all students pay the same stated fees regardless of residency status.

Other Fees

Certain courses require fees for laboratory use, licensing, Internet service provider, etc. These fees are identified in the Class Schedule online; tuition and fee waivers generally do not apply.

Payment Information

Students must pay their tuition by the deadline posted on the enrollment or Student Central calendar to finalize their registration and to prevent the college from dropping their classes for non-payment.

Financial aid-eligible students who meet application deadlines qualify for a deferment of their tuition payment until the college applies their awarded aid to tuition and fees. This generally occurs a few days before the quarter begins.

Drops for Non-Payment

The college routinely drops students from their classes for non-payment. However, students who owe tuition and decide not to attend classes should not count on the college dropping them for non-payment. The college may bill students who remain in their classes without attending, and students may receive failing grades on their transcripts. To avoid this, students who decide not to attend classes should drop them online.

The college charges students a Drop fee each time it drops classes for non-payment due to missing a payment deadline.

Refund Exceptions

State law allows the college to make exceptions to the withdrawal and refund deadlines for students who experience a serious medical situation, or for the deployment of Active Duty Military and Reservist students. Students must petition online for an exception, and provide documentation in the form of a letter from a healthcare provider, or official military orders. Check with Student Central for assistance if needed.

Tuition and Fee Waivers

Tuition and Fee Waivers are subject to state law and regulations. The College offers both mandatory and optional tuition and fee waivers for specific categories of students. The Bellevue College Board of Trustees approves the establishment of optional waivers, as well as the amount of the waiver and any adjustments deemed appropriate.

The Board of Trustees has approved the following optional tuition and fee waivers:

• Eligible Veterans or National Guard Members: 25% waiver of tuition - state support classes only
• Other Eligible Military or Naval Veterans: 25% waiver of tuition - state support classes only
• Military service members eligible to participate in the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program: Waives building fees, and services and activities fees
• Refugee: Waives nonresident tuition differential
• Financially needy students who are eligible to pay resident tuition: Tuition waiver - state support classes only (eligibility determined by the Financial Aid Office)
• ABE, ESL, GED preparation classes for financially needy students: Waiver of $25 fee (eligibility determined by the designated department)
• Athletic Waiver - Resident and Nonresident: 25% waiver of tuition and fees for eligible students (up to 15 credits)
• Ungraded Courses: Parent Education - Waives 85% of tuition and all building and S&A fees.
• Nonresident - Waives operating fee differential for specific student groups
  • Students taking only online classes
  • Eligible students who have completed the residency paperwork and been approved for a future quarter - limited to 40% waiver
• International Student Exchange: Waives nonresident tuition differential
  • Limited to 100 foreign exchange students per year, with an equal number of Bellevue College domestic students placed in exchange country
• Senior Citizens (audit only): $5 fee charged - state support classes only (enrollment on space available basis, and limited to two courses per quarter)
• State Employees with enrollment preference given to Bellevue College employees: $5 fee plus all classroom-related fees charged - state support classes only (enrollment on space available basis, and limited to 12 credits per quarter)
• Nonresident Higher Education Employees: Waives nonresident tuition differential
• Transportation Fees for Workforce Education, ABE/GED/ESL, Running Start, Career Education Options, and Multicultural Services Students (eligibility determined by the appropriate department)

“200” Level Courses & Lower:

(1) Residents pay $1,436.60 for 18 cr + $92.32 additional per credit beyond 18
(2) Non-Residents pay $3,261.02 for 18 cr + $269.01 additional per credit beyond 18

Bachelor’s Program Above “200” Level Courses:

(3) Last year’s rates listed: these are subject to change*
(4) Bachelor’s Program
(5) Bachelor’s Program

Additional fees per credit are:

A comprehensive fee of $1.50 per credit with a $15. max; A commute reduction fee of $1.70 per credit with a $17. max.; a technology fee of $3.50 per credit 1-10 credits and $3.50 per credit beyond 18. An environmental sustainability fee of $1.00 per credit with a $10 max.

Washington State Residency for Tuition Purposes

The college determines applicants’ residency at the time they apply for admission. Non-resident students pay a higher tuition rate than resident students do. Detailed information and assistance is available on the college website and in Student Central.

Non-resident students may apply for residency once they make Washington their permanent residence for at least 12-months and by meeting one of the following conditions at least 12-months before submitting a residency application:

• U.S citizen
• Hold a permanent resident card
• Hold an A, E, G, H, I, K, or L visa
• Hold refugee or asylum status

eLearning Waiver

NON-RESIDENT students enrolled in only online classes may be eligible for a tuition reduction. For more information, call Enrollment Services at (425) 564-2222 or e-mail enrollment@bellevuecollege.edu and ask about the “Distance Education Waiver”.

Changing from Non-Resident to Resident

Generally, non-resident students apply for residency by completing the Residence Questionnaire and submitting the documents listed on the Residency Requirements Form.

Students must submit the Residence Questionnaire and all needed documents by the 30th calendar day of the quarter they plan to obtain resident status. By regulation, the college processes applications and documents received after this date for the next quarter.

Exemption for Some Student Groups

Some groups of students do not need to complete the residency application process or may need to submit additional documents. These include:

• Eligible members of Native American Tribes
• Active Duty military and eligible veterans
• Eligible dependents of Washington State Residents
• Eligible DREAMER/Undocumented/DACA students

Students who do not belong to one of these groups must complete the residency application process.

Veterans’ Administration Standards & Requirements

Bellevue College offers priority enrollment to veterans and eligible dependents. Please check the academic calendar for enrollment deadlines.

Selected programs of study at Bellevue College are approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC. Eligible veterans, reservists, or dependents of veterans who plan to apply for benefits must contact the Veterans Services Office. Certification of VA benefits will occur upon acceptance to a VA-approved degree program and the receipt of all required documents. The eligible student can be certified only for courses applicable to the declared degree program.

The monthly payment that a student may be eligible to receive depends on the benefits that they are entitled to, as well as the number of VA approved credits that they are taking.

Bellevue College does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

Federal law requires students to report any change in enrollment status that may affect their VA educational benefits. Students should inform a veteran advisor as soon as possible about changes such as a change in the program of study, enrollment level, dependent status, address, or phone number.

In accordance with 38 USC 3679(e), Bellevue College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or require that an individual borrow additional funds, because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under CH 31 or CH 33. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE), Statement of Benefits, or similar documentation verifying eligibility under CH 31 or CH 33, is required to be submitted to the Veterans Services Office no later than the first day of the respective term.

Bellevue College believes it is important that we honor our veterans for their service. Veterans and their family members are welcome to visit and learn more about our programs. Current and new students should contact a Bellevue College veterans advisor at (425) 564- 2220, Room U306 or e-mail veterans@bellevuecollege.edu to determine their eligibility.

“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”