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Bentley University

Waltham, MA·Private nonprofit·4,288 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $95,400 within 10 years; strong 88% graduation rate.

48%
Accept
4,288
Students
$38,787
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
$95,400
Earnings
10 yr
$24,007
Debt

About This School

Bentley University is a private nonprofit institution located in Waltham, Massachusetts with approximately 4,288 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 48% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $38,787 per year. The graduation rate is 88%, and the typical graduate earns $95,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded in 1917 as a school of accounting and finance in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. Bentley has one undergraduate school which offers 17 business majors and 14 arts and sciences majors, as well as 39 minors. Its graduate school offers five master's degrees, an MBA with eight disciplines, and three PhD programs.

This is a strong option for students focused on business careers — graduates earn a median of $95,400 ten years out, which is well above average, and the 88% graduation rate and 93% freshman retention suggest students are genuinely engaged and finishing what they start. The $38,787 average net price is real money, but the relatively modest $24,007 median debt load makes the return on investment look reasonable. Worth considering if you want a focused, career-oriented business education near Boston, though students seeking broad liberal arts exposure or a large university experience may find the specialized environment limiting.

Founded
1917
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing92%
Computer Science5%
Social Sciences1%
Health Professions0%
Mathematics0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jay LenoCharles TaylorMike ManginiCorina SmithEdward J. KingFrederick G. Payne

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1340
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile720

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$58,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,150
Avg Net Price
$38,787
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$24,007

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$95,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,007
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,007
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$67,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$95,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White55%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian10%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,288 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bentley University

175 Forest St

Waltham, MA 02452-4705

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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