About

About Bentley University

business focusedwaltham massachusettssmall class sizescomputer science strengthmaster's programs

Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, MA, known for its business focused, waltham massachusetts, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 58%, Bentley is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 1,141 students each year. Bentley is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1290–1403, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Students who apply Early Decision are admitted at 61%, somewhat higher than the regular decision rate of 45%, making it a consideration for students who have confirmed their first choice. Bentley offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $35,203 per year; the sticker price of $75,615 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Bentley University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

58%
Overall Accept Rate
1347
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1290 – 1403 (test optional)

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ED advantage at Bentley University: ED acceptance rate is 61% vs 45% regular decision, notably higher than. If Bentley Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Bentley University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Bentley sits at the intersection of business and the liberal arts, so use your essays to show how you think about real-world problems through both a quantitative and a human lens, not just that you want to study business.
Extracurriculars
Bentley admissions values applied experience, so highlight extracurriculars where you have had real business exposure, such as running a school enterprise, managing finances for a club, completing internships, or launching a small venture of your own.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Bentley University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$76k/yr$21.2k
30k-48k~$76k/yr$18.6k
48k-75k~$76k/yr$26.2k
75k-110k~$76k/yr$33.7k
110k+~$76k/yr$49.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

88%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$87k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,517
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

53%White
15%International
14%Hispanic
10%Asian
5%Black / African American
3%Two or More Races
1%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
Gender61% Men · 39% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status85% Citizens and Immigrants · 15% International
Bentley, Waltham Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch