Bentley University
About Bentley University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bentley University is a private business-focused university in Waltham, Massachusetts. It integrates business and technology with a liberal arts foundation and is known for its strong career placement rates.
Founded
1917
Location
Waltham, Massachusetts
Students
5,281
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
45.1%
Selective
Graduation Rate
86.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$61,000
Per year
Avg Net Price
$37,930
After financial aid
SAT Average
1352
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$120,959
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
45.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 15
Bentley University accepts 45.1% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1352 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1352/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.7%
4-Year Grad
83%
6-Year Grad
88%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
66.7%
$/Student
$16.3K
Class Size
Medium
83% graduate in 4 years, and 92.7% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$61,000
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,140
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$79,548
After Financial Aid
$37,930
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$21,196
Receive Grants
16.1%
Take Loans
43.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $79,548/yr, including $20,140 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $37,930.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bentley University fund their education.
While in School
16.1%
Get Grants
Free money
43.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$106,565
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,023
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,023 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $121K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bentley University.
Gender
39.4%
Female
61%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,474
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
807
Graduates
15.6%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.5%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 15.6% are first-generation college students. 14.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
4,474
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bentley University fields 13 varsity teams with 683 student athletes, about 15% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Northeast 10
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
683
15% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
431
Men
252
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bentley Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$120,959
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$72K
256 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$73K
180 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$68K
108 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$60K
108 grads
1yr Earnings
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
$70K
106 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$81K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $87K six years out, climb to $79K by year eight, and reach $121K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bentley University
What is the acceptance rate at Bentley University?▾
How much does Bentley University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bentley University?▾
How much do Bentley University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.