Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Stanford University
- Bentley Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 14
- Stanford Wins
- 30
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,807 vs Bentley University's $37,930, Stanford University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bentley
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Bentley University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $24,123 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Stanford in Computer Science & IT (21%). 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 Stanford University over Bentley University. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $120,959.
Pick Stanford University over Bentley University. Net price $13,807 vs $37,930.
Pick Bentley University over Stanford University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Stanford University over Bentley University. 92% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Stanford University are close on paper, but Stanford University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stanford 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, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $24,123 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $96,492 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $120,959 at Bentley University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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
Stanford University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Stanford 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 Stanford University to keep costs and debt down; pick Bentley University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Stanford University is harder to get into, with a 4% admit rate, but Bentley University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Stanford 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 Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stanford University has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Stanford University's enrollment of 7,554 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford holds onto its admits more tightly: 80% 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; Stanford 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
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 Stanford leads with Computer Science (21%).
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 Stanford).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Communications, while Stanford University concentrates in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Stanford University?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Stanford University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $120,959 at Bentley University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Stanford University?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs Stanford 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 Stanford University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bentley University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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