At $38,787/yr net price, Bentley University graduates earn $120,959/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $86,959/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,787 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $155,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $120,959/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$86,959/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 88.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,023 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,239/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,482/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,331/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,581/yr |
| $110,001+ | $49,750/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Computer Interaction. | Master | $114,892 | $34,068 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $91,211 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,968 | $41,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $81,111 | $31,760 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $79,653 | $25,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Marketing. | Master | $77,715 | |
| Taxation. | Master | $77,039 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,200 | $25,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,147 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
88.2% of students at Bentley University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Bentley delivers a strong financial return. Median earnings ten years out hit $120,959, and you carry median debt of just $25,023 to get there. That gap between what you owe and what you earn is what makes this school pay off.
The payoff comes from Bentley's business focus. Management sciences and quantitative methods leads early-career pay, with computer and information sciences and finance close behind. All of these run through the same roughly $25,000 debt level, so the higher-earning majors give you more return for the same borrowing. Sitting in Waltham, right outside Boston, puts you next to a deep finance, consulting, and tech job market that hires exactly these graduates.
Math is the quiet value play here. You take on the lowest debt of any top program, around $19,300, while still landing near finance-level starting pay.
The main risk is price. The sticker net price of $38,787 is high, and if your family earns over $110k you pay close to $50,000 a year. Bentley is a business school, so if you are not aiming at finance, tech, accounting, or analytics work, the earnings that justify this cost may not show up for you.
The income tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $75k, you pay in the low-to-mid $20,000s, less than half the full price, which makes Bentley a genuine bargain against those earnings outcomes. Above $75k the price jumps hard, and over $110k you are near full freight.
Bentley fits you if you want a business, finance, or tech career and can access the lower-income tiers or strong aid. If you are a full-pay family or drawn to fields outside business, weigh the near-$50,000 yearly cost carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bentley University worth the high cost?
Bentley graduates earn $120,959 ten years after graduation, which helps offset the $38,787 annual net price. The school's focus on business and technology pays off for most students, though you'll need strong career goals to justify the investment.
What are the best paying majors at Bentley University?
Human Computer Interaction leads at $114,892, followed by Finance at $91,211 and Business Administration at $89,968. These technical and finance-focused programs deliver the strongest returns on your tuition investment.
How much debt do Bentley University students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,023, which is manageable given graduate earning potential. With an 88% graduation rate, most students complete their degrees and enter the workforce with reasonable debt loads.
Does Bentley University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $38,787 suggests moderate financial aid, as the sticker price is higher. Students should compare aid packages carefully, as the high cost may not be worth it without substantial scholarships.