Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Bentley Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 17
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 86%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's $32,875 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus'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, 91% more than Pennsylvania State University
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Pennsylvania State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,875, roughly $5,055 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Pennsylvania State in Business & Marketing (20%). 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 Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Bentley University. Net price $32,875 vs $37,930.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Pennsylvania State University are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 Pennsylvania State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,337.
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, Pennsylvania State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,875, about $5,055 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Pennsylvania State University also borrow less: median debt of $25,000, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $20,220 before any change in aid. Choosing Pennsylvania State 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 $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 91% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 91% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Pennsylvania State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Bentley University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Pennsylvania State University saves about $5,055 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $57,524 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 Social Sciences, while Pennsylvania State 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 Pennsylvania State University's $32,875.
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Pennsylvania State University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 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 16% at Pennsylvania State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Pennsylvania State 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University is featured on the Best MBA Programs in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 20% of Pennsylvania State's.
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 Pennsylvania State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Social Sciences, while Pennsylvania State University concentrates in Engineering. 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 Pennsylvania State University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,875 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Pennsylvania State University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Pennsylvania State University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 86%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Pennsylvania State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Pennsylvania State 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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