Data Processing (Bachelor's Degree) at Bellevue College

2026 ROI Award Winner

#8 in Washington

Median Earnings (1yr)

$81,892

95th percentile

Median Debt

$13,502

38% below national median

Analysis

Bellevue College's Data Processing program delivers first-year earnings of $81,892—nearly double the national median of $44,431 and well above even the 75th percentile nationally. The debt picture is equally impressive: graduates leave with just $13,502 in loans, about 40% less than the national median. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16, meaning graduates owe roughly two months' salary. For a bachelor's degree in tech-adjacent Seattle, that's exceptional leverage.

The state percentile ranking (60th) might seem modest, but context matters: Bellevue College is the only school in Washington reporting data for this specific bachelor's program. That 60th percentile likely reflects comparison with related computing programs across the state's tech-heavy market. What's more telling is that graduates immediately earn enough to comfortably service their debt while living in one of the country's most expensive metros.

For families worried about college ROI, this program offers a rare combination: strong immediate earnings, minimal debt burden, and location in a tech hub with abundant employment opportunities. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests steady but not massive enrollment, which may actually help maintain program quality and job placement rates.

Where Bellevue College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all data processing bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Bellevue College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Data Processing bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Bellevue CollegeBellevue	$4,305	$81,892	—	$13,502	0.16
University of Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas	$9,142	$44,431	—	$21,750	0.49
University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg	$9,618	$37,734	—	$28,743	0.76
National Median	—	$44,431	—	$21,750	0.49

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with data processing graduates

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

Blockchain Engineers

Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Information Technology Project Managers

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bellevue College, approximately 10% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.