Campus Vibe
Top graduate earnings — known for business
Bentley University is a private urban institution in Waltham, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1340.
A mid-sized campus of 4.3K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
88% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $120,959 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $38,787.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Bentley University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1340
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by mid-December
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 15
Decision by mid-February
Early Action
November 1
Decision by late December
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by late March
Reply by May 1
SAT/ACT optional through 2026.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
57.3%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$24,007
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
32
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
View all 14 majors›
Programs (78)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
93%
- •93% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Division I ice hockey program.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Top Industries
97% of graduates employed or continuing education within 6 months.
Notable Alumni
Arthur T. Demoulas
CEO of Demoulas Supermarkets (Market Basket)
Marcelo Claure
Former president and CEO of Sprint Corporation; founder of Brightstar Corp
William C. Freda
Vice chairman and managing partner at Deloitte
Mike Mangini
Drummer of progressive rock band Dream Theater
Jay Leno
Former host of The Tonight Show (attended one semester)
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Bentley University was founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance by Harry C.
- •Thirty students attended Bentley's first class on February 26, 1917 in a room secured by Bentley at 30 Huntington Avenue.
- •During the Great Depression, Bentley maintained a stable student population, with just a small dip during the middle of the 1930's.
- •Between 1937 and 1941, as student population grew even more, the school rented and renovated space at 325 Newbury Street.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Suburban campus in Waltham; walkable campus but transportation helpful for off-campus destinations.
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Moody Street
Vibrant dining and entertainment district in downtown Waltham.
Charles Riverwalkable
Walking and biking trails along the Charles River.
Waltham Common
Town green with shops and restaurants.
Boston
Downtown Boston is 10 miles away, easily accessible by car or public transit.
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
April 1
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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