Dr. Mary Hawkins, PresidentSix decades later, that ideal has become the foundation of one of the country’s recognized private online universities. Bellevue now serves more than 18,000 students, with graduates living around the world. The university’s growth has been significant, but its purpose has remained true: to create pathways that allow students to move forward without putting their lives on pause.
Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, believes that the institution’s culture and focus on students has been the key to its ability to evolve. “Our University’s culture has always been shared by people who say yes to possibility, who put students first, and who believe education should lead to real opportunity.” She added, “We are committed to providing resources that empower students to pursue their educational goals, no matter their circumstances.”
Growing With the Changing Needs of Learners
Bellevue University has built its reputation by recognizing that students today are often balancing multiple priorities. The average Bellevue student is over 30 years old, and many are professionals returning to education to advance their careers, change industries or gain new skills.
The university’s approach has been built around flexibility. Bellevue became an early leader in online education, offering its first online course in the 1990s and launching what is believed to be the nation’s first online MBA program in 1996. Today, online learning represents the core of the university’s academic experience, with 96 percent of students learning fully online.
However, Bellevue’s identity extends beyond virtual classrooms. The open-access university continues to operate its 48-acre residential campus in Nebraska, providing students of all ages and backgrounds with on-campus opportunities. With student housing, 16 athletic teams, and labs for science, cyber, sustainability, art, and more, on-campus students have a great environment for their education.
Creating Online Learning That Feels Connected
Many institutions moved into online education by adapting traditional classroom models. Bellevue took a different approach by building its online experience from the ground up beginning in the mid-1990s.
The university designs and develops its own online courses through collaboration between faculty members and instructional designers. This process allows courses to focus on practical knowledge and workplace application rather than simply delivering information.
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We are committed to providing resources that empower students to pursue their educational goals, no matter their circumstances.
That focus is especially important for Bellevue’s career-oriented programs. The university offers more than 100 programs across certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, Ph.D. programs and applied doctoral programs. Popular areas of study include cybersecurity, business, supply chain, data science and clinical mental health counseling.
With 107 full-time faculty members and 1000 experienced instructors, Bellevue connects academic learning with professional experience. Students are encouraged to take what they learn and apply it directly to their careers.
Support That Extends Beyond the Classroom
For working learners, earning a degree often requires more than access to courses. Bellevue University has developed a support system designed to help students stay connected throughout their educational journey.
Every student receives a dedicated student coach who remains with them from enrollment through graduation. These coaches help students understand academic requirements, plan coursework, access resources and navigate challenges along the way.
The university also continues to expand access through partnerships. Bellevue works with more than 125 corporate partners and maintains relationships with community colleges that create additional routes for students transferring credits or continuing their education.
In 2025, Bellevue University was recognized in the highest category of Opportunity Colleges and Universities under the Carnegie Classifications as a model for how higher education institutions can support student achievement and economic mobility. The classification measures and ranks institutions on both access and post-attendance earnings.
Serving Military Communities and Future Workforces
Military service has been part of Bellevue University’s story since its earliest days. Today, approximately 8 percent of students are military-connected, including active-duty personnel, veterans, spouses and dependents. Through its Military Veteran Services Center and community partnerships, the university provides specialized support for those who have served.
Looking ahead, Bellevue continues to adapt its programs to workforce changes, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The University is helping students and faculty understand how emerging technologies can support learning and professional success.
“Whether it’s cyber defense, healthcare leadership, business strategy or data science, we teach what matters now and what will matter next,” said Dr. Hawkins, Bellevue University’s president. “That’s why employers across the country turn to us, and why our graduates are in demand here at home and around the world.”
Bellevue University’s story is ultimately about more than online education. It is about understanding who its students are and building an institution around their realities. After 60 years, the university continues to show that higher education works best when opportunity, flexibility and support come together.
