About Bentley University
Bentley University trains future business leaders through a curriculum that blends liberal arts with hands-on professional skills. The 4,288 students focus heavily on finance, marketing, and information systems in this small city setting outside Boston. Notable graduates include healthcare technology leader John Halamka and Putnam Investments CEO Bob Reynolds. The school maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in business-focused coursework.
Students pay an average net price of $38,787 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Graduates typically earn a median salary of $120,959 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile despite the high sticker price of $78,650. Most students graduate with $25,023 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265. The strong return on investment shows in the 97.2% employment rate and 91.38% loan repayment rate.
The student body skews male at 61% and draws students from across the country, with only 39% coming from Massachusetts. Bentley competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 19 varsity sports and 576 student-athletes. The 92.90% retention rate and 88% four-year graduation rate reflect student satisfaction with the focused business education and career preparation.
Students pay an average net price of $38,787 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Graduates typically earn a median salary of $120,959 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile despite the high sticker price of $78,650. Most students graduate with $25,023 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265. The strong return on investment shows in the 97.2% employment rate and 91.38% loan repayment rate.
The student body skews male at 61% and draws students from across the country, with only 39% coming from Massachusetts. Bentley competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 19 varsity sports and 576 student-athletes. The 92.90% retention rate and 88% four-year graduation rate reflect student satisfaction with the focused business education and career preparation.
Academics & Faculty
Bentley specializes in business education that blends liberal arts with hands-on professional training. The university is particularly well-known for finance, marketing, and information systems programs that prepare students for corporate careers. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide individualized attention in small classes. The 88% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems that help students stay on track. Bentley's curriculum emphasizes practical application through internships and real-world projects rather than purely theoretical study. Students learn business fundamentals while developing critical thinking skills through liberal arts coursework. This combination produces graduates who earn a median of $71,978 in their first year after college.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 88.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.2%
- Retention Rate
- 92.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $120,959
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Human Computer Interaction. | Master | $114,892 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $91,211 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,968 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $81,111 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $79,653 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $78,343 |
| Marketing. | Master | $77,715 |
| Taxation. | Master | $77,039 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,200 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,147 |
Campus Life
The 4,288 students at Bentley split their time between rigorous business coursework and a surprisingly tight-knit campus community. About 78% of students live on campus in Waltham, just 10 miles west of Boston. You'll need that winter coat, New England winters hit hard, with snow lasting through March. The 163-acre campus feels like a small college town despite being minutes from major corporations and internship opportunities.
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, expect to know your professors personally. The 61% male student body reflects the business focus, creating a competitive but collaborative atmosphere. Most students head into Boston on weekends via the nearby commuter rail, hitting Fenway Park or exploring the North End. Campus traditions center around the annual Spring Day celebration and fierce Division II athletic rivalries. The 92.90% retention rate suggests students quickly find their place here. Greek life and business clubs dominate the social scene, while the median earnings of $120,959 ten years out prove the networking pays off long after graduation.
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, expect to know your professors personally. The 61% male student body reflects the business focus, creating a competitive but collaborative atmosphere. Most students head into Boston on weekends via the nearby commuter rail, hitting Fenway Park or exploring the North End. Campus traditions center around the annual Spring Day celebration and fierce Division II athletic rivalries. The 92.90% retention rate suggests students quickly find their place here. Greek life and business clubs dominate the social scene, while the median earnings of $120,959 ten years out prove the networking pays off long after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,350 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1917
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–36°F
- July Avg
- 62°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 59.0"
Student Demographics
Bentley draws business-minded students from across the Northeast, with 61% of students coming from outside Massachusetts. The student body is 61% male, reflecting the school's strong focus on finance and technology programs that traditionally attract more men. About 15% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a mix of middle and upper-middle-class families willing to invest in Bentley's career-focused education. The demographic makeup mirrors the school's reputation as a practical business school that prepares students for corporate careers rather than pursuing a traditional liberal arts experience.
- Men
- 61.1%
- Women
- 38.9%
- White
- 55.3%
- Black
- 4.0%
- Hispanic
- 12.5%
- Asian
- 10.1%
- In-State Students
- 39.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.1%
Location
Bentley University sits in Waltham, Massachusetts, about 10 miles west of Boston. The small city setting provides easy access to one of America's most college-rich metropolitan areas while maintaining a more intimate campus feel for its 4,288 students. Waltham combines suburban residential neighborhoods with a growing tech corridor, earning it the nickname "Watch City" for its historic timepiece manufacturing heritage. The Charles River runs through the area, offering recreational opportunities and scenic views. Boston's financial district, where many Bentley graduates launch their careers, is just a short commute away via public transit. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Bentley University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Waltham, Massachusetts 02452-4705
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $120,959
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $105,451
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $67,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 91.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bentley University?
Bentley University accepts 57.88% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1339. The school attracts business-minded students who value its practical approach to combining liberal arts education with real-world business skills.
How much does Bentley University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Bentley University is $38,787, though only 15.08% of students receive need-based aid. Students typically graduate with $25,023 in debt, which is manageable given the school's strong post-graduation earning potential.
What is Bentley University known for academically?
Bentley University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and specializes in business education that blends liberal arts with practical skills. The school is particularly well-known for its programs in finance, marketing, and information systems.
How much do Bentley University graduates earn?
Bentley University graduates earn a median salary of $120,959 ten years after graduation with a 97.2% employment rate. This strong earning potential reflects the school's focus on business education and its connections to the corporate world.
Where is Bentley University located and what is campus life like?
Bentley University sits in Waltham, Massachusetts with housing for 3,350 students out of 4,288 total enrollment. The campus maintains a close-knit community feel with 19 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II.
Does Bentley University have a strong graduation rate?
Bentley University graduates 88.09% of students in four years with a 92.90% retention rate. These high completion rates reflect the school's focused business curriculum and the strong motivation of students pursuing career-oriented degrees.
