Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Bentley Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 15
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,930 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Bentley University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Bentley University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $120,959 at ten years.
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, 44% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $3,342 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,666, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick Bentley University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $37,930 vs $41,272.
Pick Bentley University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 88% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bentley University is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,257.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bentley 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 $3,342 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach also borrow less: median debt of $23,666, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,368 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 $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 44% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 44% 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
Bentley University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 21% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Bentley University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach leans toward Transportation, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).
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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, Communications, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates in Transportation, Engineering, Criminal Justice. 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Bentley University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 67%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bentley University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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