Green River College vs Bellevue College

Green River College and Bellevue College, both esteemed institutions in Washington state, offer diverse educational opportunities for students seeking higher education. While they share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. Green River College boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. Bellevue College, on the other hand, has a more extensive selection of bachelor's degrees, catering to students seeking a comprehensive four-year education. Explore our detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Bellevue College logo

Bellevue College

Green River College logo

Green River College

Overview

Location Bellevue, Washington Auburn, Washington
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Quarter Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees $66
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $20,047

Out of state: $25,584
In state: $20,094

Out of state: $20,556
Average net price $9,801 $9,324
Tuition
In state: $3,826

Out of state: $9,363
In state: $3,826

Out of state: $4,288
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

35.0%
Average amount $6,868
35.0%
Average amount $6,502
Students receiving federal student loan 4.0%
Average amount $5,486
6.0%
Average amount $3,832
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
1.0%
Average amount $9,104

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 11,546
Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
6,559
Men 48.3% Women 51.7%
Graduate students N/A N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 3.2% 3.6%
International students 5.6% 10.4%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 400 N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? No N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Washington California Hawaii Arizona Texas Washington California Oregon Idaho Texas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Transportation and Logistics
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome

Graduation rate 33.4% 38.0%
Dropout rate 33.6% 34.8%
Transferred out 16.6% 18.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,807
  • Year 2: $65,974
  • Year 3: $72,329
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,881
  • Year 2: $64,990
  • Year 3: $64,546
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,603
  • Year 2: $32,213
  • Year 3: $37,826
Computer Programming (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: N/A
Data Processing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,976
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $36,141
  • Year 3: N/A
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,563
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,563
  • Year 3: N/A
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Green River College and Bellevue College?

    Green River College, located in Auburn, offers a more traditional campus environment with a focus on community and a wider range of outdoor recreational opportunities due to its proximity to natural areas. Bellevue College, situated in the heart of Bellevue, provides a more urban setting with closer ties to the tech industry and a larger student population. Bellevue College also has a greater emphasis on professional and technical programs, while Green River College is known for its strong transfer programs and aviation programs.

  • Which college is better for students planning to transfer to a four-year university?

    Both Green River College and Bellevue College have excellent transfer programs and strong articulation agreements with many four-year universities in Washington and beyond. The 'better' choice depends on your intended major and transfer destination. Research which college has more established pathways or specific agreements with your target university for your chosen field of study. Both colleges provide advising services to help you plan your transfer.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between Green River College and Bellevue College?

    Tuition costs at Green River College and Bellevue College are generally comparable for Washington state residents. However, it's essential to check the most up-to-date tuition rates on each college's website, as they can fluctuate. Also, consider additional fees, such as technology or activity fees, which may differ slightly. Both colleges offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of tuition.

  • Which college has a stronger focus on specific career paths?

    Bellevue College has a stronger emphasis on professional and technical programs, particularly in areas like technology, healthcare, and business. Green River College is known for its strong aviation programs and also offers a variety of career-oriented programs in fields like manufacturing, automotive technology, and forestry. Consider your career interests when making your decision.

  • What is the campus environment like at Green River College versus Bellevue College?

    Green River College offers a more traditional, campus-focused environment with a strong sense of community. Its location in Auburn provides access to outdoor recreational activities. Bellevue College, located in Bellevue, has a more urban and commuter-oriented environment. It's closer to businesses and cultural attractions, offering a different kind of campus experience.

  • How do the class sizes compare at Green River College and Bellevue College?

    Generally, both Green River College and Bellevue College aim to maintain relatively small class sizes to foster a more personalized learning environment. However, introductory courses may have larger enrollments. You can typically find average class sizes for specific programs on each college's website or by contacting the relevant department.

  • What student support services are available at each college?

    Both Green River College and Bellevue College offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability support services, and mental health services. They also have libraries, computer labs, and student activity centers. Check each college's website for a complete list of services and resources.

  • Which college is more convenient for students living in Seattle?

    Bellevue College is generally more convenient for students living in Seattle, as it's located in Bellevue, which is directly across Lake Washington from Seattle. Green River College, located in Auburn, is further south and would require a longer commute from Seattle.

  • Do both colleges offer online learning options?

    Yes, both Green River College and Bellevue College offer a variety of online courses and programs. The availability of specific courses online may vary, so it's best to check each college's course catalog to see what's offered online for your program of interest.

  • How do the diversity and inclusion initiatives compare between the two colleges?

    Both Green River College and Bellevue College are committed to diversity and inclusion and have initiatives in place to support students from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives may include multicultural centers, diversity training programs, and student organizations focused on specific cultural or identity groups. Check each college's website for more information on their specific diversity and inclusion efforts.