Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Clemson University
- Bentley Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 16
- Clemson Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clemson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to Clemson University's $22,253 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Clemson University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 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, 69% more than Clemson University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Clemson
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,253, roughly $15,677 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 38% 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); Clemson in Business & Marketing (26%). 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 Clemson University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Clemson University over Bentley University. Net price $22,253 vs $37,930.
Pick Bentley University over Clemson University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Clemson University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Clemson University is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,353.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Clemson 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, Clemson University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,253, about $15,677 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Clemson University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $62,708 before any change in aid. Choosing Clemson 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 $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 69% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 69% 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 Clemson University, it is 1.2%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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 Clemson University to keep costs and debt down; pick Bentley University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Clemson University saves about $15,677 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $49,446 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Clemson University is harder to get into, with a 38% 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 Computer Science & IT, while Clemson University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,930 runs well above Clemson University's $22,253.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $21,500 at Clemson University.
- Engineering-focused students: Clemson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Clemson University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Clemson University's enrollment of 23,300 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Clemson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clemson does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
Clemson University is a great fit for students who seek a strong sense of community and a variety of academic paths. With around 23,300 undergraduates, there’s a vibrant campus life, and the acceptance rate of 38% means it’s selective but still accessible for many. Students frequently dive into programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Biology & Biomedical, which are well-regarded and align with industry needs.
Looking ahead, graduates from Clemson can expect promising outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $71,513, which reflects the value of their education in real-world terms. While the affordability of higher education continues to be a concern, Clemson’s net price after aid is around $22,253, making it a reasonable option for many families. This financial aspect is crucial, especially when considering long-term financial mobility.
On a practical level, students here graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Those who thrive at Clemson tend to be proactive and engaged, taking advantage of both educational and extracurricular opportunities. With a graduation rate of 87%, it’s clear that many find their stride and succeed in completing their degrees, setting them up for a bright future.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University is featured on the Best MBA Programs in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 26% of Clemson's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Clemson).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Communications, while Clemson 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 Clemson University?
Clemson University is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Clemson University?
Clemson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,253 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Clemson University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Clemson University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 87%.
Bentley University vs Clemson 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 1.2%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Clemson University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clemson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bentley University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Bentley and Clemson stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
