Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs New York University
- Bentley Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 15
- New York Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,050 vs Bentley University's $37,930, New York University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, New York 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, 47% more than New York University
New York
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $880 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% 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); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). 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 New York University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick New York University over Bentley University. Net price $37,050 vs $37,930.
Pick New York University over Bentley University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and New York University are close on paper, but New York 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
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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, New York University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,050, about $880 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of New York University also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,520 before any change in aid. Choosing New York 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 47% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 47% 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
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Bentley University, it is 2.9%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York 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 New York 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. New York University saves about $880 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $38,450 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 New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. 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 $20,500 at New York University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of New York University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Bentley — 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.
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and New York University appear together in 10 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks New York University by 43 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
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 New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Communications, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts. 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 New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or New York University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or New York University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or New York University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 2.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York 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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