Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Fordham University
- Bentley Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 10
- Fordham Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,930 vs Fordham University's $44,338, 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, 41% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $6,408 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
Fordham
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,300, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Fordham in Business & Marketing (19%). 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 Fordham University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Bentley University over Fordham University. Net price $37,930 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Bentley University. 4% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Bentley University over Fordham University. 88% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Fordham University 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 Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,418.
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 $6,408 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Fordham University also borrow less: median debt of $24,300, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $25,632 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 $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 41% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 41% 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 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Bentley University, it is 2.9%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham 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; pick Fordham University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Bentley University is harder to get into, with a 45% admit rate, but Fordham University posts the higher mobility rate, at 4%. 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 Fordham University leans toward Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Bentley competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above Bentley University's $37,930.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fordham University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 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; Fordham 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.
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and Fordham University appear together in 10 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Fordham University by 39 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 19% of Fordham's.
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 Fordham).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Fordham University concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Fordham University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Fordham University?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Bentley University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Fordham University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 81%.
Bentley University vs Fordham University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 2.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Fordham University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bentley University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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