What is the starting salary for Computer Science graduates in Bellevue?

The estimated starting salary for Computer Science graduates in Bellevue, WA is $151,725 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 178.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $85,000. Salaries in Bellevue are 78% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Computer Science degree worth it in Bellevue?

A Computer Science degree in Bellevue has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $2,022,340 after subtracting education costs. With 6 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,800/year, Bellevue offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.1% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Computer Science in Bellevue?

The average annual public university tuition in Bellevue is $11,800, while private universities average $40,000/year. Including room and board ($18,115/year), total 4-year costs range from $119,660 at a public school to $232,460 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Bellevue is $12,339/year.

What jobs can Computer Science graduates get in Bellevue?

Computer Science graduates in Bellevue can pursue careers as Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Product Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Programming, Algorithms, Data Structures, Machine Learning. The Bellevue job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon.

How long to pay off student loans for Computer Science in Bellevue?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Computer Science graduates in Bellevue would pay $1,359/month on an estimated $119,660 in loans, with $43,386 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,341/month but save $22,569 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $151,725, monthly payments would represent 11% of gross monthly income.

Computer Science Degree in Bellevue, WA — Salary & ROI 2026

Computer Science degree analysis for Bellevue, WA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$152K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$232K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.3 yrs

in Bellevue

Cost of Living

178.5

index (100 = avg)

Computer Science in Bellevue, WA Overview

Bellevue, Washington (pop. 151,854) has 6 colleges offering Computer Science programs. The local cost of living index of 178.5 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $3,300/month. Computer Science has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Programming and Algorithms skills. The adjusted starting salary in Bellevue is approximately $151,725, growing to $232,050 by mid-career.

Computer Science Salary in Bellevue (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Bellevue's cost of living index of 178.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$151,725(+$66,725 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$232,050(+$102,050 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$294,525(+$129,525 vs national)

Note: National average Computer Science salary: $85,000 starting, $130,000 mid-career, $165,000 senior level.Bellevue adjustment factor: 1.78x based on the local cost of living index.

Computer Science ROI Calculator for Bellevue

Estimate your return on investment for a Computer Science degree using local Bellevue tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,800 | Private avg: $40,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Bellevue avg aid: $12,339/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$119,660

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$89,250

vs HS diploma in Bellevue

ROI Payback Period

1.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Bellevue

$2,022,340

Lifetime earnings premium ($2,142,000) minus total education cost ($119,660)

Student Loan Payoff for Computer Science in Bellevue

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$119,660

Monthly Payment$1,359

Total Interest$43,386

% of Monthly Income11%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$119,660

Monthly Payment$2,341

Total Interest$20,817

Interest Savings$22,569

Colleges in Bellevue for Computer Science

Bellevue State University

public

$11,349/yr

$45,396 total

University of Bellevue

public

$11,803/yr

$47,212 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Bellevue Community College

$7,512/yr

Top Employers for Computer Science in Bellevue

Bellevue offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Computer Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

GoogleMicrosoftAmazonAppleMeta

Key Bellevue Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Computer Science Job Titles

Software EngineerData ScientistProduct Manager

Computer Science in Nearby Washington Cities

Seattle, WA

$102K starting · COL 120

16 colleges

Spokane, WA

$103K starting · COL 121

20 colleges

Tacoma, WA

$96K starting · COL 113

25 colleges

Vancouver, WA

$92K starting · COL 108.5

7 colleges

Kent, WA

$98K starting · COL 115.8

6 colleges

Everett, WA

$100K starting · COL 118.2

5 colleges

Renton, WA

$104K starting · COL 122.5

5 colleges

Spokane Valley, WA

$105K starting · COL 123.1

4 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Bellevue

Prompt Engineering

$89K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$170K starting · 2 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$157K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$146K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$152K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$89K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$143K starting · 3 yr ROI

Robotics Engineering

$89K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Computer Science degree outcomes in Bellevue, WA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Computer Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Washington.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Bellevue using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Computer Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Computer Science career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Computer Science grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Bellevue Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Washington students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Washington)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Washington programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "washington higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Computer Science Degree in Bellevue — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Computer Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Bellevue.

Computer Science Overview Colleges in Bellevue All Majors