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Colleges / MA / Waltham
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Bentley University

Private nonprofit Waltham, MA · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
88%
Graduation Rate
$120,959
Earnings (10yr)
$37,930
Net Price
45%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

At Bentley University, students who are interested in business, technology, and social sciences will find a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. With an acceptance rate of 45%, this private nonprofit school draws in a diverse group of around 4,474 students. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, making programs in Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Health Professions particularly popular.

When looking ahead to life after graduation, Bentley graduates see impressive financial outcomes. On average, they earn about $120,959 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure is significant because it reflects the university's strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers. While 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to affordability for those who need it, the overall financial picture remains favorable for graduates.

Considering the practicalities, the net price after aid stands at $37,930, which is manageable relative to the median debt of $25,023. This debt load is reasonable and allows many graduates to thrive in their early careers. Bentley is ideal for motivated individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and the broader community, setting themselves up for success in a competitive job market.

Rankings

How Bentley Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation88%Earnings 10yr$121KNet Price$38KRetention93%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$21K$0-30K$19K$30-48K$26K$48-75K$49K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%485.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6058.2%MOBILITY294.19%

Cost & Financial Aid

$61,000
In-State Tuition
$61,000
Out-of-State
$37,930
Avg Net Price
$25,023
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
43%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$21,196
Family Income $0–$30K
$18,587
Family Income $30K–$48K
$26,164
Family Income $48K–$75K
$49,190
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$86,679
6 Years After Entry
$102,857
8 Years
$120,959
10 Years
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
92%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$86,679 6yr $102,857 8yr $120,959 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

294.19%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6058.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
485.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$119,600
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.89
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.342%
Inventor Rate
29
Total Patents
219
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 45%
Retention Rate 93%
SAT Average 1352
ACT Midpoint 30
SAT Range 1280–1430
ACT Range 28–31
Full-Time Faculty 67%
Faculty Salary (mo) $15,847
Diversity Index 0.67
First-Gen Students 16%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 92%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Social Sciences 1%
Health Professions 0%