Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Purdue University-Main Campus
- Bentley Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 17
- Purdue University-Main Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Purdue University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to Purdue University-Main Campus's $14,600 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Purdue 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, 67% more than Purdue University
- 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
Purdue University-Main
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,600, roughly $23,330 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Purdue University-Main in Engineering (25%). 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 Purdue University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $72,424.
Pick Purdue University over Bentley University. Net price $14,600 vs $37,930.
Pick Bentley University over Purdue University. 88% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Purdue 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 Purdue University takes 50%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,364.
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, Purdue University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,600, about $23,330 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Purdue University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $93,320 before any change in aid. Choosing Purdue 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 $72,424 at Purdue University. That is a 67% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 67% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Purdue 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. Purdue University saves about $23,330 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $48,535 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 Purdue 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 Purdue University's $14,600.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $19,500 at Purdue University.
- Engineering-focused students: Purdue University has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Purdue University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Purdue University's enrollment of 44,503 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Purdue University-Main holds onto its admits more tightly: 49% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Bentley — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Purdue University-Main does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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.
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.
When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University is featured on the Best MBA Programs in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while Purdue University-Main leads with Mechanical Engineering (25%).
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 Purdue University-Main).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Social Sciences, Communications, while Purdue University concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Purdue University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 50% at Purdue University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Purdue University?
Purdue University is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,600 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Purdue University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,424 at Purdue University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Purdue University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 83%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Purdue University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Purdue 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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