Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Bentley Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 16
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rutgers University-New Brunswick'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, 62% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- 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
Rutgers University-New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,406, roughly $13,524 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Rutgers University-New in Business & Marketing (19%). 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Bentley University. Net price $24,406 vs $37,930.
Pick Bentley University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 88% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,410.
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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,406, about $13,524 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $54,096 before any change in aid. Choosing Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 62% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 62% 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 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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. Rutgers University-New Brunswick saves about $13,524 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $46,480 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick leans toward Health Professions. 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 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; Rutgers University-New 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.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
With an enrollment of over 37,000 students, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a great fit for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. The school stands out for its strong programs in Business and Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, and Biology. If you're looking to dive into a field with solid job prospects and a supportive academic community, this could be your place.
When we look at what happens after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn an average of $74,479 within a decade of finishing their degrees. That’s a solid return on investment, especially when you consider the affordability of Rutgers. The net price after financial aid is $24,406, which is reasonable given the earning potential. This environment supports students not just in their studies, but in launching successful careers.
Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. With a median debt of $21,500, students often leave with manageable loans, especially if they utilize financial aid options. The blend of affordability and strong career outcomes suggests that students who put in the effort here tend to thrive, especially those who are driven and engaged. If you're ready to take on challenges and make the most of your education, Rutgers can be a great stepping stone to your future.
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 19% of Rutgers University-New'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 Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Social Sciences, Communications, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates in Health Professions, 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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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