Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs University of California-San Diego
- Bentley Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 12
- California-San Diego Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to University of California-San Diego's $12,470 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-San Diego's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 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, 42% more than University of California-San Diego
California-San Diego
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $25,460 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 27% 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 (92% of degrees); California-San Diego in Biology & Biomedical (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 Bentley University over University of California-San Diego. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $84,943.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Bentley University. Net price $12,470 vs $37,930.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-San Diego 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
University of California-San Diego is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-San Diego 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, University of California-San Diego comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,470, about $25,460 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $101,840 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-San Diego 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 $84,943 at University of California-San Diego. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-San Diego 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. University of California-San Diego saves about $25,460 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $36,016 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 Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-San Diego leans toward Biology & Biomedical, 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 University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $15,500 at University of California-San Diego.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-San Diego's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-San Diego has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.
Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.
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 (92% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (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 California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, while University of California-San Diego concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, 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 University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,470 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,943 at University of California-San Diego.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or University of California-San Diego?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 87%.
Should you choose Bentley University or University of California-San Diego?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-San Diego 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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