Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Bentley Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 12
- Worcester Polytechnic Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Worcester Polytechnic Institute achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,071 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, 17% more than Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $5,141 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
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Worcester Polytechnic
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Worcester Polytechnic in Engineering (58%). 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $103,470.
Pick Bentley University over Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Net price $37,930 vs $43,071.
Pick Bentley University over Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute are close on paper, but Bentley 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
Bentley University is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute takes 60%.
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 $5,141 a year below Worcester Polytechnic Institute's $43,071. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $20,564 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 $103,470 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute, it is 2.2%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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 Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,071 runs well above Bentley University's $37,930.
- Business and consulting-track students: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 9% at Worcester Polytechnic — 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 19.0%). 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.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, nearly 5,500 students engage deeply in hands-on learning, particularly in engineering, computer science, biology, and the arts. With a 60% acceptance rate, it attracts a diverse group of learners who thrive in a practical, project-oriented environment. The school's commitment to experiential education stands out, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, which is crucial for those aiming to bridge theory and practice.
Looking beyond graduation, WPI graduates can expect solid financial returns, with a median earnings figure of $103,470 just ten years after earning their degree. This kind of earning potential is significant, especially considering the school's 89% graduation rate, which suggests that most students not only complete their degrees but also move into well-paying jobs. Affordability is a factor too; with a net price of $43,071 after aid, many students find that the investment pays off in their career trajectories.
When it comes to the financial bottom line, WPI students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, a manageable amount considering their earning potential. This is particularly relevant for those who are mindful of their financial future. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are driven, curious, and ready to tackle challenges head-on in a collaborative atmosphere. Overall, WPI is a solid choice for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields while achieving strong financial outcomes.
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 Worcester Polytechnic leads with Mechanical Engineering (58%).
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 Worcester Polytechnic).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 60% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Do Bentley University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $103,470 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute: 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
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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