Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Santa Clara University
- Bentley Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 12
- Santa Clara Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Santa Clara University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $50,062 compared to Bentley University's $37,930. Students who choose Bentley University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $120,959 at ten years.
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, 11% more than Santa Clara University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $12,132 a year less
- 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
Santa Clara
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,162, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Santa Clara in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 Santa Clara University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $109,183.
Pick Bentley University over Santa Clara University. Net price $37,930 vs $50,062.
Pick Bentley University over Santa Clara University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Santa Clara University are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Santa Clara University takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,426.
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 $12,132 a year below Santa Clara University's $50,062. Graduates of Santa Clara University also borrow less: median debt of $19,162, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $48,528 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 $109,183 at Santa Clara University. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, Santa Clara University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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 Santa Clara University, it is 2.2%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
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 Santa Clara University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $19,162 at Santa Clara University.
- Engineering-focused students: Santa Clara University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $50,062 runs well above Bentley University's $37,930.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Santa Clara University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Santa Clara University's enrollment of 6,552 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 18% at Santa Clara — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Santa Clara (80.1% Early Decision admit rate vs 61.1%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
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.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.
The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.
Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and Santa Clara University appear together in 9 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Santa Clara University by 3 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 27% of Santa Clara'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 Santa Clara).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 48% at Santa Clara University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Santa Clara University?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $50,062 at Santa Clara University.
Do Bentley University or Santa Clara University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $109,183 at Santa Clara University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs Santa Clara 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 2.2%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Santa Clara 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.
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