Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Columbia University in the City of New York
- Bentley Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 10
- Columbia City Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Columbia University in the City of New York offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,590 vs Bentley University's $37,930, Columbia University in the City of New York delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Columbia University in the City of New York'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, 18% more than Columbia University
Columbia City
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,590, roughly $16,340 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% 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); Columbia City in Social Sciences (27%). 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 Columbia University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $102,491.
Pick Columbia University over Bentley University. Net price $21,590 vs $37,930.
Pick Columbia University over Bentley University. 3.1% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Columbia University over Bentley University. 96% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Columbia University are close on paper, but Columbia 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
Columbia University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Columbia 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, Columbia University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,590, about $16,340 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Columbia University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $65,360 before any change in aid. Choosing Columbia 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 $102,491 at Columbia University. That is a 18% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% 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.
Finishing the degree
Columbia University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Columbia University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at Bentley University, it is 2.9%. Columbia University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Columbia 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 Columbia 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. Columbia University saves about $16,340 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $18,468 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Columbia 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 Columbia University's $21,590.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $21,500 at Columbia University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Columbia University has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Columbia University's enrollment of 8,973 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Columbia City holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% 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 13.2%). 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.
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.
Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University is featured on the Best MBA Programs in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while Columbia City leads with Sociology (27%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Columbia City).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Communications, while Columbia 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 Columbia University?
Columbia University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Columbia University?
Columbia University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,590 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Columbia University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $102,491 at Columbia University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Columbia University?
Columbia University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs Columbia University: which is better for social mobility?
Columbia University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.1% versus 2.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Columbia University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Columbia 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 Columbia City 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.
