Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Bentley Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 15
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,354 vs Bentley University's $37,930, University of Wisconsin-Madison delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Wisconsin-Madison's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 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, 64% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $20,576 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,484, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (92% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (16%). 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 Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Bentley University. Net price $17,354 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 Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,427.
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, University of Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $20,576 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison also borrow less: median debt of $20,484, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $82,304 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 64% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 64% 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 Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison saves about $20,576 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $47,167 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 Computer Science & IT, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Biology & Biomedical. 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 Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 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
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.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
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 92% of Bentley's student body and 16% of Wisconsin-Madison'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 Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
Should you choose Bentley University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison 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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