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Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE Private ยท Suburban www.bellevue.edu
Grad Rate
49.2%
Enrollment
10,426
Tuition
$8,886
Median Salary
$61,289
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Bellevue University offers a practical, career-focused atmosphere where adult learners and traditional students mix seamlessly in a supportive suburban setting. The campus feels like a launchpad for professional advancement, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and real-world application. It's a place where you're encouraged to immediately apply what you learn in class to your current job or career path.

Academics & Majors

The university excels in practical, high-demand fields like Business, Computer Science, and Health Professions, with a curriculum designed for immediate career relevance. Teaching is centered on adult learning principles, emphasizing hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving over theoretical research. While not a heavy research institution, students benefit from strong industry connections and internship opportunities.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
50%
Computer Science
17.8%
Health Professions
7.1%
Social Sciences
6.1%
Criminal Justice
3.6%
Psychology
3%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
1.6%
Legal Studies
1.6%
History
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

49.2%
Graduation Rate
51.2%
Retention Rate
10,426
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,886
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,345
After financial aid
Total Cost
$33,315
Cost of attendance/year
28.9%
Receive Pell Grants
24.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Bellevue

Bellevue is a historic suburb with a charming, walkable downtown area featuring local cafes, antique shops, and community events. Students often enjoy outdoor activities at the nearby Fontenelle Forest or take a short 15-minute drive to Omaha for a major city's sports, concerts, and nightlife. Social life on campus is often centered around professional networking events and student clubs rather than traditional Greek life or large-scale parties.

Local Rent Check

$878 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Bellevue
Explore Bellevue

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$35,544
$0Est. 4 Years: $35,544

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($61,289):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Bellevue area is considered a safe, quiet suburb of Omaha, with low crime rates compared to the national average. The campus itself is a compact, well-lit, and secure environment where students and staff know each other.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Flat tuition rate makes it affordable for out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on career-ready programs with high demand in the job market.
  • โœ“ Extremely flexible learning options, including online and evening classes for adult learners.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from faculty.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates suggest challenges with student persistence.
  • โœ— Suburban campus life is quiet and lacks the traditional 'college town' energy.
  • โœ— Limited on-campus housing and traditional residential student experience.

Notable Alumni

Mike McGinnis
Award-winning broadcaster and the longtime radio voice of the Creighton Bluejays.
David B. W. Miller
Nebraska state senator and a leader in the state's legislative body.
John B. Moller
President and CEO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue University is primarily known for its strong focus on adult and online education, offering highly flexible degree programs in career-oriented fields like Business, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice. It has a reputation as a 'military-friendly' school with a deep commitment to serving working professionals who need to balance education with career and family.

Bellevue University has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of students. This means the admissions process is not selective, focusing more on an applicant's ability to succeed rather than on competitive metrics like high GPAs or SAT scores. The acceptance rate is nearly 100%, but students are still expected to meet basic academic requirements.

Campus life at Bellevue is more subdued and professional than at a traditional residential college, as a large portion of the student body commutes or studies online. There are over 30 student-led clubs and a vibrant Student Government Association, but social activities tend to be more low-key and community-focused. The campus is a hub for learning and networking rather than a center for 24/7 social activity.

For the right student, Bellevue University offers excellent value. The flat-rate tuition is significantly lower than many private institutions, and the median post-graduation earnings of $61,289 provide a solid return on investment. The value is highest for working adults and career-changers who can immediately apply their learning and graduate with minimal debt, making it a financially sound decision.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Union Pacific Berkshire Hathaway CHI Health Mutual of Omaha First National Bank of Omaha
Smart Start Score
68

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 15,947
  • In-State Tuition $8,886
  • Zip Code 68005

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.1% โ™€ 52.9%

The Money Talk

With an out-of-state tuition that matches the in-state rate, Bellevue offers a flat, affordable tuition structure that is a significant financial advantage for non-residents. The median 10-year earnings of over $61,000 provide a strong return on investment, especially when weighed against the relatively low sticker price compared to many private universities. For many students, particularly those who are working while enrolled, the ability to graduate without massive debt makes this a financially savvy choice.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,886
Housing (12 mo) $10,536
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $26,622
With avg financial aid:
$28,345/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.