Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Bucknell University
- Bentley Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 12
- Bucknell Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,930 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, Bentley University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Bentley University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bentley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, 29% more than Bucknell University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $2,836 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,023, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Bucknell
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Bucknell in Social Sciences (21%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bentley University over Bucknell University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $93,807.
Pick Bentley University over Bucknell University. Net price $37,930 vs $40,766.
Pick Bentley University over Bucknell University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Bucknell University are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bucknell University is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bucknell University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Bentley University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,930, about $2,836 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $11,344 before any change in aid. Choosing Bentley University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bentley University graduates report median earnings of $120,959, compared with $93,807 at Bucknell University. That is a 29% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 29% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Bentley University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Bentley University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Bentley University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Bucknell University is harder to get into, with a 29% admit rate, but Bentley University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while Bucknell University leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Bucknell University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bucknell holds onto its admits more tightly: 28% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Bentley — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Bentley (61.1% Early Decision admit rate vs 54.7%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Bentley, where only about 21% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
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.
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 3,876 students, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, is an excellent fit for those seeking a close-knit academic community. The school has a 29% acceptance rate, which reflects a selective approach to admissions, and an impressive graduation rate of 86%. Students here typically dive into programs like Social Sciences, Engineering, Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology, gaining both depth and breadth in their fields.
After graduation, Bucknell alumni find themselves in strong positions, with earnings averaging $93,807 a decade after they leave. This figure illustrates a solid return on investment for the education received, helping graduates build successful careers. While the median debt stands at $27,000, the balance seems manageable when considering the financial pathways that open up for graduates.
When we look at the cost of attendance, the net price after aid is about $40,766, which can feel significant but is often offset by the financial advantages graduates experience. Students who thrive here generally come with a sense of ambition and a commitment to making the most of the resources available. Bucknell seems to attract those ready to engage deeply in their studies and leverage their education for future success.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and Bucknell University appear together in 7 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Bucknell University by 19 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while Bucknell leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Communications, while Bucknell University concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bentley University or Bucknell University?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Bucknell University?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bentley University or Bucknell University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $93,807 at Bucknell University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Bucknell University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 86%.
Bentley University vs Bucknell University: which is better for social mobility?
Bentley University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Bucknell University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bentley University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bucknell University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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