Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Providence College
- Bentley Wins
- 34
- Tied
- 9
- Providence Wins
- 7
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,930 vs Providence College's $48,523, Bentley University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Bentley University'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, 39% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $10,593 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,023, the lower of the two
- 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
Providence
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Providence in Business & Marketing (42%). 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 Providence College. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Bentley University over Providence College. Net price $37,930 vs $48,523.
Pick Bentley University over Providence College. 2.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Providence College are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,346.
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 $10,593 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $42,372 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 $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 39% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 39% 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 Providence College, it is 0.9%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
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 Bentley University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Providence College leans toward Biology & Biomedical. 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 $48,523 runs well above Bentley University's $37,930.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Providence College's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at Providence — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Providence (85.5% Early Decision admit rate vs 61.1%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. 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
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.
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.
Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.
Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and Providence College appear together in 9 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Providence College by 28 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 42% of Providence'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 Providence).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Communications, while Providence College concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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 Providence College?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Providence College?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Bentley University or Providence College graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Providence College?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 87%.
Bentley University vs Providence College: which is better for social mobility?
Bentley University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Providence College?
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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