Key Takeaways
- Bellevue sits in the heart of the Seattle tech corridor, creating exceptional internship and job opportunities for software engineering students.
- Top programs near Bellevue include the University of Washington, Bellevue College, City University of Seattle, and several high-quality online options.
- Students should compare accreditation, tuition, hands-on learning, internship access, and job placement rates before enrolling.
- Software engineering graduates in the Bellevue and Seattle area earn average starting salaries between $85,000 and $115,000 depending on degree level and experience.
- Choosing a program with strong industry partnerships can significantly improve return on investment.
Why Study Software Engineering in Bellevue, Washington?
Bellevue is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the United States. Located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, it is home to major employers such as Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile, Meta, and dozens of venture-backed startups.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earn a median salary above $120,000 nationally. In the Seattle-Bellevue tech market, wages typically exceed the national average due to strong demand. This makes Bellevue an ideal place to earn a software engineering degree while building professional connections.
Students benefit from:
- Access to paid internships during the academic year
- Strong employer recruiting pipelines
- Tech meetups and networking events
- Opportunities to work on real-world software projects
Top Software Engineering Degrees Near Bellevue
InstitutionDegreeModeEstimated TuitionAccreditationUniversity of Washington (Seattle)BS in Computer Science (Software Focus)On-campus~$12K in-state / ~$40K out-of-state (per year)Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesBellevue CollegeBAS in Software DevelopmentOn-campus / Hybrid~$9K–$10K per year (in-state)NWCCUCity University of SeattleBS in Computer Science / Software DevOnline / Hybrid~$20K–$25K per yearNWCCUBellevue University (online, accessible locally)BS in Software DevelopmentOnline~$440 per credit hourHLCLake Washington Institute of TechnologyBAS in Computing & Software DevelopmentOn-campus~$10K per yearNWCCU
Detailed Program Breakdown
University of Washington
The University of Washington consistently ranks among the top computer science schools in the country. While not located directly in Bellevue, it is a short commute away.
Strengths:
- Highly competitive and nationally recognized program
- Strong ties to Microsoft, Amazon, and regional tech firms
- Excellent research and AI specialization opportunities
This is best for students seeking a rigorous, research-driven computer science education with extensive internship pipelines.
Bellevue College
Bellevue College offers one of the most accessible and affordable bachelor’s pathways in software development. Its Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development focuses on practical engineering skills.
Highlights:
- Hands-on coding from early coursework
- Smaller class sizes
- Strong transfer options from associate degrees
The program is particularly attractive for local residents seeking cost-effective education without sacrificing quality.
City University of Seattle
Designed with working professionals in mind, City University’s programs emphasize flexibility. Courses are offered in hybrid and online formats.
Best for:
- Adult learners balancing full-time work
- Students seeking predictable class schedules
- Those needing transfer credit flexibility
Bellevue University (Online Option)
Although based in Nebraska, Bellevue University provides an online software development degree accessible to Bellevue residents. It emphasizes modern languages, DevOps, cloud computing, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
This option is strong for students who want fully remote learning but still reside in the Bellevue area for career networking.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Located nearby in Kirkland, LWTech provides a practical Bachelor of Applied Science in Computing and Software Development.
Standout features:
- Applied, career-focused curriculum
- Industry advisory boards
- Emphasis on real-world coding projects
Software Engineering vs Software Development Degrees
Many programs in Bellevue are labeled “software development” rather than “software engineering.” The distinction matters:
- Software Engineering: Focuses on system architecture, algorithms, scalability, testing methodologies, and engineering principles.
- Software Development: Often more applied and practical, emphasizing programming languages, web apps, and deployment.
Employers in the Bellevue technology sector generally value skills and experience as much as the title of the degree. However, engineering-focused programs may better prepare students for large-scale system design roles.
Admission Requirements and Transfer Policies
Requirements vary, but most bachelor’s programs expect:
- High school diploma or associate degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite math courses such as algebra, pre-calculus, or calculus
- Introductory programming coursework
Community colleges such as Bellevue College and LWTech offer strong transfer pathways from associate degrees, often allowing students to apply most prior credits.
Career Outcomes in the Bellevue Tech Market
The Bellevue and greater Seattle region consistently ranks among the top metro areas for software jobs.
Common Career Paths:
- Software Engineer
- Full Stack Developer
- Cloud Engineer
- Mobile App Developer
- DevOps Engineer
Estimated Salaries in the Region:
- Entry-level software engineer: $85,000–$110,000
- Mid-level developer: $115,000–$145,000
- Senior engineer: $150,000+
Internships at companies such as Microsoft and Amazon often convert into full-time roles, significantly increasing earning potential after graduation.
How to Choose the Right Program
To identify the best-fit program, evaluate the following criteria:
1. Accreditation
Ensure the school is regionally accredited by recognized agencies such as NWCCU or HLC.
2. Industry Partnerships
Look for internship pipelines, advisory boards, or employer recruiting programs.
3. Curriculum Depth
Review whether coursework includes data structures, algorithms, databases, cloud computing, and software testing.
4. Total Cost and ROI
Compare tuition against likely starting salary. Many Washington public institutions offer strong ROI due to lower in-state tuition.
5. Learning Format
Decide between on-campus immersion or online flexibility based on your schedule and learning style.
ROI and Long-Term Value
A software engineering degree in the Bellevue area can deliver strong long-term returns. With average tuition at public institutions ranging from $9,000 to $12,000 annually and entry-level salaries exceeding $85,000, many graduates recoup educational costs within the first year or two of employment.
Additionally, proximity to innovative companies allows students to build portfolios, contribute to open-source projects, and participate in hackathons, factors that often accelerate career growth beyond salary expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Software Engineering Degrees in Bellevue
Why should you study software engineering in Bellevue, Washington?
You study in the middle of the Seattle tech corridor, close to employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile. This gives you access to paid internships, networking events, and strong pipelines into full-time software roles in a high-salary market.
Which software engineering or development programs are near Bellevue?
You can choose from several options: the University of Washington in Seattle (BS in Computer Science), Bellevue College (BAS in Software Development), City University of Seattle (BS in Computer Science / Software Development), Bellevue University online (BS in Software Development), and Lake Washington Institute of Technology (BAS in Computing & Software Development).
What is the difference between software engineering and software development degrees?
A software engineering degree usually focuses more on system design, algorithms, scalability, and testing methods. A software development degree often centers on hands-on coding, web and mobile apps, and deployment. In Bellevue, employers tend to care most about your skills, experience, and portfolio, not just the program title.
What admission requirements should you expect for these programs?
You typically need a high school diploma or associate degree, a GPA around 2.5–3.0 or higher, math through algebra or pre-calculus (sometimes calculus), and at least one introductory programming course. Community colleges like Bellevue College and LWTech often accept a large number of transfer credits from prior study.
How much can you earn after a software engineering degree in Bellevue?
In the Bellevue–Seattle area, entry-level software engineers usually earn about $85,000–$110,000 per year, with many mid-level roles paying $115,000–$145,000 and senior roles reaching $150,000 or more. Because public tuition can be around $9,000–$12,000 per year, many graduates recover their education costs within a few years of working full time.
How should you choose the right Bellevue-area software program?
You should check regional accreditation, compare total tuition, review course lists for data structures, algorithms, databases, cloud, and testing, and ask about internships and employer ties. You also want to decide whether an on-campus, hybrid, or fully online format fits your schedule and learning style.
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