Bellevue College and Western Washington University Establish Guaranteed Transfer Admission Agreement 

Students at Bellevue College now have a streamlined and guaranteed route to a bachelor’s degree at Western Washington University through a new transfer pathway partnership announced today by both institutions. 

The agreement guarantees admission to Western for Bellevue College transfer students who complete a transfer degree, providing a clear and dependable path to continue their education at one of the state’s top public universities. 

“This collaboration creates new momentum for student success and takes the guesswork out of transfer,” said Bellevue College President David May. “By simplifying the process, we are ensuring our students have every opportunity to complete their four-year degrees.” 

The guaranteed transfer agreement is the first, so far, of its kind at Bellevue College. 

Under the agreement, Bellevue College students qualify for guaranteed admission to Western if they: 

• Complete either an Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) or Associate in Science – Transfer (AS-T) degree at Bellevue College 

• Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher 

• Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the last quarter before applying for admission and the final quarter before transferring 

Students admitted through this program will enter Western as juniors, ready to progress toward a bachelor’s degree. 

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding access and removing barriers for transfer students,” said President Sabah Randhawa of Western Washington University. “Western is proud to partner with Bellevue to create a reliable, student-centered pathway to a four-year degree.” 

In addition to general admission, eligible Bellevue College students may receive direct admission into nearly 30 academic majors at Western. Some majors may require additional admissions steps or prerequisites. 

“At the end of the day, it’s really about serving students, the state of Washington, and doing it better – doing what we do, but doing it better by providing opportunities, ways for students to find their way from here to there, and in a way that makes sense to them and that serves them best,” said Western Washington University Provost and Executive Vice President Brad Johnson.  

In support of expanding educational access in the region, the $70 application fee for Bellevue College students will be waived, allowing them to apply at no cost. 

The program links students early with academic advisors at both institutions to help them select courses aligned with their intended majors. Western and Bellevue College will also collaborate on outreach, advising, and annual evaluations to ensure a smooth transfer process. 

According to the Washington Roundtable, a February 2025 report states 75% of projected job openings in Washington state over the next decade will require postsecondary credentials, yet only 40% of Washington high school students are expected to earn one. 

This guaranteed admission transfer agreement was designed to help close that gap and is in alignment with both Western Washington University’s and Bellevue College’s mission, visions, and strategic plans.  

“This direct-admit partnership with Western Washington University is a powerful extension of Bellevue College’s Be Bold Strategic Plan, creating a clearer, faster pathway for our graduates to continue their education,” said Bellevue College’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jess Clark. “It reflects what is possible when institutions align around student opportunity and shared purpose.” 

For more information about transferring from Bellevue College to Western Washington University, visit admissions.wwu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admissions.