Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Villanova University
- Bentley Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 9
- Villanova Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Villanova University achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,756 compared to Bentley University's $37,930. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Bentley University'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, 20% more than Villanova University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $5,826 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,023, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Villanova
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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 (90% of degrees); Villanova in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Villanova University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $100,423.
Pick Bentley University over Villanova University. Net price $37,930 vs $43,756.
Pick Bentley University over Villanova University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.3%.
Pick Villanova 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 Villanova 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
Villanova University is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,460.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Villanova 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 $5,826 a year below Villanova University's $43,756. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $25,874.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,304 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 $100,423 at Villanova University. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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
Villanova 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 Villanova University, it is 1.3%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.3%.
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
Villanova University is harder to get into, with a 27% 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 Computer Science & IT, while Villanova University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Villanova University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,756 runs well above Bentley University's $37,930.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Villanova University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Villanova University's enrollment of 6,938 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Villanova holds onto its admits more tightly: 28% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Bentley — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Bentley (61.1% Early Decision admit rate vs 54.2%). 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.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and Villanova University appear together in 9 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Villanova University by 12 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 23% of Villanova's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Villanova).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Communications, while Villanova University concentrates in Engineering, Health Professions. 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Villanova University?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $43,756 at Villanova University.
Do Bentley University or Villanova University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $100,423 at Villanova University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs Villanova 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 1.3%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Villanova University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bentley University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Villanova University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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