Enrollment

Eligibility & Residency

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General Eligibility

We admit:

  • Any applicant who has graduated from high school, or is 16 or 17 years old with a proof of a GED completion, or is 18 years of age or older.
  • Currently enrolled high school students who successfully assess into college-level English. However, these students are admitted quarter-by-quarter and are not considered “continuing students” unless they have been admitted through the Running Start Program.
  • Selected applicants who meet the qualifications for selective-admissions programs. Some selective-admissions programs have enrollment limits and cannot accept all qualified applicants.  See more information on selective admissions programs.
  • If you are still in high school, you may be eligible for one of BC's High School Programs.

Exceptions

Some exceptions for entrance to the college are made on a case-by-case basis if you do not meet eligibility criteria. If you would like to inquire about eligibility submit your question to the Student Service Center. Anyone is eligible to register for a non-credit class through BC Continuing Education and is not required to apply for admissions. Explore non-credit Continuing Education offerings.

Residency

To be considered a Washington state resident, you are required to have established residency at least twelve 12 months prior to the beginning of the quarter for which you are applying.

See Washington State Residency for Tuition Purposes for more information.

Residency Tuition Declaration for Non-U.S. Citizens - Effective July 1, 2003

Effective July 1, 2003, Washington state law changed the definition of “resident student.”  The law makes certain students eligible for resident student status – and eligible to pay resident tuition rates – when they attend public colleges and universities in this state.  The law does not make these students eligible to receive need-based state or federal financial aid.  To qualify for resident status, students must complete this affidavit/declaration/certification if they have met the following conditions:

  1. Received a diploma from a Washington high school after completing the full senior year and lived in Washington State for three years immediately prior to receiving the diploma or lived in Washington State for three years immediately prior to receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma;
  2. Continuously resided in the State since earning the high school diploma or its equivalent, and
  3. Submit the required Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit promising to file for permanent resident status at the earliest opportunity and indicating a willingness to engage in other activities necessary to acquire citizenship (applies to non-US citizens).

If you are eligible, please print and complete the following form with your signature. The original should be submitted to the BC Admissions Office.

Please do not fax or e-mail the form as these cannot be accepted.

Mail to:

Bellevue College
Admissions Office
ATTN: Enrollment Services
3000 Landerholm Circle, SE
Bellevue, WA 98007-6484

Veterans’ Administration Standards & Requirements

Bellevue College’s academic programs of study are approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (HECB/SAA) for enrollment of persons eligible to receive educational benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code.

Eligible veterans, reservists, or dependents of veterans who plan to apply for benefits must contact the Veterans’ Advisor in the Financial Aid Office as early as possible.


Certification of VA benefits will occur upon acceptance to a VA-approved degree program and when all pertinent documents are on file. The eligible student can be certified only for courses applicable to the declared degree program. Students are expected to be enrolled in college-level courses, although some developmental courses (“deficiency courses” in VA terminology) are permitted. Students requiring deficiency courses will be reviewed by the Veterans’ Advisor.

All VA benefit recipients are required to enroll in at least 6 credits (Fall to Spring term) per quarter to receive a monthly check. VA will only pay for tuition and fees when a student enrolls for 5 credits or less. Telecourses and online courses are approved without having to take a resident course. Students must maintain academic progress by successfully completing their courses with a 2.00 GPA. Students who fail to maintain the minimum requirement may be placed on probation when extenuating circumstances occur. It is advisable to consult with the Veterans’ Advisor when students suspect they may fail to maintain academic progress.

Students should inform the Veterans’ Advisor as soon as possible about any change that may affect their VA status, such as change in the program of study, credit load, dependent status, or address.

Bellevue College is now offering a 25 percent reduction in state tuition for eligible veterans and dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. The tuition discount was adopted by BC’s Board of Trustees effective spring, 2007.

Bellevue College President Jean Floten believes “It is important that we honor our veterans for their service.” Veterans are welcome to visit and learn more about our programs.

Current and new students should contact the Bellevue College Veterans’ Advisor to determine their eligibility.

Academic Calendar: important dates and deadlines