Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs George Washington University
- Bentley Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 16
- George Washington Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to George Washington University's $36,586 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington 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, 33% more than George Washington University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Washington
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $1,344 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). 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 George Washington University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $90,873.
Pick George Washington University over Bentley University. Net price $36,586 vs $37,930.
Pick Bentley University over George Washington University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and George Washington 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 George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,433.
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, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $1,344 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,376 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington 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 $90,873 at George Washington University. That is a 33% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 33% 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 George Washington University, it is 2.2%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
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 George Washington 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. George Washington University saves about $1,344 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $30,086 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 Computer Science & IT, while George Washington University leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $20,449 at George Washington University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of George Washington University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 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 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. 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.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and George Washington University appear together in 10 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks George Washington University by 20 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while George Washington leads with Sociology (33%).
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 George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Communications, while George Washington University concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology. 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 George Washington University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,873 at George Washington University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or George Washington University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 85%.
Bentley University vs George Washington 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 2.2%.
Should you choose Bentley University or George Washington University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington 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.
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