Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Quinnipiac University
- Bentley Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 14
- Quinnipiac Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,930 vs Quinnipiac University's $40,675, 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, 44% more than Quinnipiac University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $2,745 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
Quinnipiac
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); Quinnipiac in Health Professions (35%). 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 Quinnipiac University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $83,759.
Pick Bentley University over Quinnipiac University. Net price $37,930 vs $40,675.
Pick Bentley University over Quinnipiac University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Bentley University over Quinnipiac University. 88% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Quinnipiac University 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 Quinnipiac University takes 72%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,242.
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 $2,745 a year below Quinnipiac University's $40,675. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,980 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 $83,759 at Quinnipiac University. That is a 44% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 44% 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 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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.
Moving people up
Bentley University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Quinnipiac University, it is 0.9%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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 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, Social Sciences, while Quinnipiac University leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. 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.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Quinnipiac University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Quinnipiac University's enrollment of 6,531 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Quinnipiac 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.
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit
Quinnipiac University serves over 6,500 students, with a graduation rate of 77%. This indicates a strong support system helping students to complete their degrees. The university maintains a 72% acceptance rate, making it a viable option for many applicants seeking a private education.
The earning potential for graduates is notable, with a median income of $83,759 ten years after graduation. While the specifics on mobility and economic connectedness are not provided, the solid earnings indicate that many graduates find success in their fields. The university's focus on health professions, business, and communications aligns well with job market demands.
Financially, students face a net price of $40,675, and the median student debt stands at $26,000. This suggests that while the cost of attendance is significant, many graduates are able to manage their debt effectively thanks to their earning potential. Quinnipiac attracts students who thrive in collaborative and career-oriented environments, particularly in programs like health professions and business.
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 Quinnipiac leads with Nursing (BSN) (35%).
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 Quinnipiac).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, while Quinnipiac 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 Quinnipiac University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 72% at Quinnipiac University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Quinnipiac University?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $40,675 at Quinnipiac University.
Do Bentley University or Quinnipiac University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,759 at Quinnipiac University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Quinnipiac University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 77%.
Bentley University vs Quinnipiac 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 0.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Quinnipiac University?
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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Bentley and Quinnipiac stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
