Bellevue College Continues Planning Process for Highlands Campus

Bellevue College is mid-way into a planning process to create the vision for its new 20-acre Issaquah Highlands campus, Bellevue College East.

College officials are currently engaged in the research and design process for the campus. In tandem with construction planning, officials are also engaged in an information gathering process to determine future programs at the campus.

Currently, there is no firm timeline for the start of construction. Bellevue College plans to start with one building and build the campus in phases, which offers more flexibility. The possibilities for the future campus range from degree programs to summer camps for kids.

"Apart from offering degree and certificate programs, other potential offerings include Early Childhood Education, continuing education for mid-career professionals, and programs such as environmental science and medical training," said Bellevue College Public Relations Manager David Sandler. "There is also the opportunity to use it as a site for a Running Start program for high school students. However, we are still early in the process and will explore all the possibilities."

Bellevue College's current enrollment is more than 38,000 students. Unlike traditional four-year colleges, most students are in their mid-twenties and 43 percent are part-time students. Nearly two-thirds of students live within the college's official service area: the City of Bellevue and other cities and towns in east King County. Approximately 15 percent of students enrolled in Bellevue College live in Issaquah or Sammamish. Currently, Bellevue College offers three bachelor's degree programs, 21 associate's degree programs and close to 100 certificate programs.

"The College leadership is very committed to constructing this campus," said Sandler. "As the planning process continues, we invite everyone to share their thoughts and feedback about how Bellevue College can serve the community in the years to come."