Awards and Achievements

This is a partial list of Bellevue College’s awards for excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership. The list covers the period 2017-2025.

Students walk on BC's campus.

2026

Ranked #10 – best college for marketing degree programs in WA (Research.com)

Awarded – Designated Leader College of Distinction, one of 32 in the U.S. (Achieving the Dream)

Ranked #1 – America’s best colleges for women in 2026 in WA (Newsweek)

Ranked #1 – best college in the 425 region (425 Magazine)

Ranked #1 – best college for salary potential in WA (Payscale)

Ranked #1 – return on investment in WA (Georgetown CEW)

Ranked #1 – best college for associate in computer systems networking in the Far West region (College Factual)

Ranked #2 – best college for RN to BSN in WA (Nurse.org)

Ranked #4 – best college for associate in allied health professions in WA (College Factual)

Ranked #7 – best college for salary potential in the U.S. (Payscale)

Ranked #16 – best college for associate in allied health professions in the U.S. (College Factual)

Awarded – Leader College designation from Achieving the Dream, one of 23 in the U.S. (Achieving the Dream)

Nominated for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

Awarded a King County Veterans Grant from King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy

  • Ranked #1 – best return on investment among public colleges in WA (College Factual)
  • Ranked #2 – best 10-year return on investment of any degree-granting college in WA (Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University)
  • Ranked #1 – best community college in WA (Academic Influence)
  • Ranked #3 – best public colleges in WA (College Factual)
  • Ranked #8 – most affordable colleges in WA (Academic Influence)
  • Ranked #8 – best 10-year ROI among public colleges offering four-year degrees in the U.S. (Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University)
  • Ranked #13 – best nursing school in WA (Payscale)
  • Recognized by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations for communication excellence
  • Awarded National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduates STEM Education Grant supporting underrepresented students pursuing degrees in STEM fields
  • Awarded Department of Education Title III Award – providing support to improve educational outcomes for historically excluded student populations
  • Awarded Department of Justice Office of Violence against Women Grant supporting efforts to reduce sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus
  • Awarded TRIO student Support Services Grant providing support services and resources to low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities to help student success, retention and completion