College Costs in Bellevue, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Bellevue, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$3,300
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Bellevue Overview
Population
151,854
Student Population
8,772 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
178.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Bellevue
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,660
Total After Financial Aid
$119,660
Annual Cost
$29,915
Annual After Aid
$29,915
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,660 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,359 |
| Total Interest | $43,386 |
| Total Loan Cost | $163,046 |
Universities in Bellevue
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue State University | Public | $11,349 |
| University of Bellevue | Public | $11,803 |
| Bellevue Community College | Community | $7,512 |
Bellevue has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bellevue vs. National Average
| Category | Bellevue | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $3,300 | $1,050 | +$2,250 |
| Cost of Living Index | 178.5 | 100 | +78.5 |
Bellevue's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bellevue
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,772 students
Bellevue has a total population of 151,854, with approximately 8,772 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bellevue offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bellevue
$75,965
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bellevue earn a median starting salary of $75,965, which is $40,965 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,660 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,339 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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