Bellevue University Earns Prestigious Carnegie Classification for Student Access and Earnings

If you're a working learner looking for a university that truly understands your journey, Bellevue University just gave you another reason to feel confident in your choice.

Bellevue University has been named a Carnegie Opportunity College and University, a new classification developed by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE). This distinction recognizes institutions that not only open doors for students from all backgrounds but also help them walk through those doors into meaningful, well-paying careers.

For prospective students wondering whether Bellevue University offers a high-quality education with real-world impact, and “is Bellevue University good?” the answer is “yes.”

Bellevue University strives to be the university for you—one that partners with you and supports you on your academic journey.

– Dr. Rebecca Murdock, Dean, College of Business, Bellevue University

What Is the Opportunity College & University Classification?

Launched in 2025, the new Student Access and Earnings Classification evaluates how well colleges and universities serve students from historically underserved backgrounds—and how those students fare after graduation. Specifically, it measures two things:

• Student Access: Does the university serve a student body that reflects the diversity of its community?
• Earnings Outcomes: Do graduates go on to earn more than expected for their region?

Only 16%, or 479, of all the colleges and universities in the United States received the classification in 2025.

Being one of a few colleges in the higher access and higher earnings category is a great distinction for Bellevue University. I am proud to be an institution that defines success by the high-performance outcomes of our graduates.

– Dr. Mary Hawkins, President, Bellevue University

Why This Matters for You

Whether you're considering starting or finishing your degree, this recognition signals that Bellevue University is high access and high performance.

With a long-standing commitment to online education, Bellevue University online degree programs meet the needs of working learners. That means flexible online learning options, accelerated cohort programs, faculty who understand real-world challenges, and support services designed for learners who are balancing jobs, families, and other responsibilities.

And now the Carnegie Classification confirms that Bellevue University delivers quality education and strong post-graduation outcomes.

Every Bellevue University degree program provides students from diverse backgrounds with the skills they need to achieve the educational and career goals they have for themselves and their families. We’re proud to ensure equitable outcomes for students from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a strong and inclusive student experience.

– Dr. Mary Hawkins, President, Bellevue University

Join a University That Measures Its Success By Yours

As a Bellevue student, you won’t just earn a degree. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to start or advance your career. Our students come from all walks of life, and they leave equipped to make a difference in their communities and industries.

The Opportunity College and University classification is a reflection of Bellevue’s mission, its students, and the University’s singular focus on helping students achieve their goals and career potential.

Explore how Bellevue University can help you move forward—on your schedule, with your goals in mind.

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