Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Small city
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 45.1%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 10,482
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 5,077
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 1,120
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 22%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 52%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 46%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- 630–700
- SAT math, middle 50%
- 650–730
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- 28–31
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- 25% / 4%
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- considered
- High school class rank
- considered
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- required
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- not considered
- SAT/ACT scores
- considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- required
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $79,548
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $61,000
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $61,000
- Median debt at graduation
- $25,023
- Students with federal loans
- 43%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 87%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 93%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $71,978
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $120,959
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 4,474
- Graduate students
- 807
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 12 : 1
- Women
- 39%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 16%
- Full-time faculty
- 67%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- President
- Brent Chrite
- Main phone
- (781) 891-2000
- Address
- 175 Forest St, Waltham, MA 02452-4705
How to apply (2026–27)
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 15 | late December |
| Early Decision II (binding) | January 15 | early February |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | late March |
- Apply with
- Common App, Coalition/Scoir
- Application fee
- $75 (waivers available)
- SAT/ACT
- Optional
- Essays
- Common App essay required; 3 optional supplements (250 words) + optional video
- Recommendations
- 1 counselor + 1 teacher
Testing: Test requirement suspended through fall 2027
Financial aid policies
- CSS Profile required (plus FAFSA)
- Merit scholarships: Academic merit scholarships from $10,000 to full tuition
- Average first-year package meets 92% of need; CSS waiver possible if parent AGI under $50,000
Source: the college’s official website: bentley.edu, bentley.edu, bentley.edu, bentley.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.