What SAT score do I need for Bentley University?

Bentley University's middle 50% SAT range is 1280 to 1430. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

What ACT score do I need for Bentley University?

Middle 50% ACT range is 28 to 31. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

What is the acceptance rate at Bentley University?

Bentley University admits roughly 45% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

What does Bentley University actually cost after financial aid?

Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $37,930 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

Is Bentley University a reach, match, or safety for me?

Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Bentley University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

Bentley University

Waltham, MA · Northeast

Acceptance rate: 45.1%
SAT mid-50: 1280-1430
Cost after aid: $37,930
Graduation rate: 87%

What Bentley University says matters

How Bentley University rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

Acceptance rate: 45%; 4,961 of 11,012
Yield: 21%; 1,056 enrolled
SAT mid-50: 1290-1403
ACT mid-50: 28-31
CDS year: 2024-25

Acceptance rate by gender

Men: 43%2,760 of 6,491
Women: 49%2,201 of 4,520

Very important

Rigor of secondary school record

Important

Academic GPA
Application essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular activities
Talent or ability
Character or personal qualities

Considered

Standardized test scores
Interview

Not considered

Class rank

The full Common Data Set

Every figure Bentley University published for 2024-25, section by section.

First-Time, First-Year Admission138

Entrance Exams

In addition, does your institution use applicants' test scores for academic advising?: Yes
Does your institution make use of SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions for first-time, first-year, degree-seeking applicants?: No

Applications

Total first-time, first-year men who applied: 6,491
Total first-time, first-year women who applied: 4,520
Total first-time, first-year another gender who applied: 0
Total first-time, first-year unknown gender who applied: 1
Total first-time, first-year men who were admitted: 2,760
Total first-time, first-year women who were admitted: 2,201
Total first-time, first-year another gender who were admitted: 0
Total first-time, first-year unknown gender who were admitted: 0
Total full-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 618
Total part-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 0
Total full-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 436
Total part-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 1
Total full-time, first-time, first-year another gender who enrolled: 0
Total part-time, first-time, first-year another gender who enrolled: 0
Total full-time, first-time, first-year unknown gender who enrolled: 1
Total part-time, first-time, first-year unknown gender who enrolled: 0
Total first-time, first-year students who applied: 11,012
Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted: 4,961
Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled: 1,056
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 3,752
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 1,744
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 411
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 4,970
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 2,352
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 461
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 1,949
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 695
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 160
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 341
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 170
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 24

Wait List

Do you have a policy of placing students on a waiting list?: Yes
Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list:: 1,665
Number accepting a place on the waiting list:: 410
Number of wait-listed students admitted:: 225

Admissions Requirements

Total academic units: 17
English: 4
Mathematics: 4
Science: 3
Of these, units that must be lab: 3
Foreign language: 3
Social studies: 3
Total academic units: 18
English: 4
Mathematics: 4
Science: 3
Of these, units that must be lab: 3
Foreign language: 3
Social studies: 4

Basis for Selection

Rigor of secondary school record: Very Important
Class rank: Not Considered
Academic GPA: Important
Standardized test scores: Considered
Application Essay: Important
Recommendation(s): Important
Interview: Considered
Extracurricular activities: Important
Talent/ability: Important
Character/personal qualities: Important

First-time, first-year Profile

Submitting SAT Scores: 0.19
Submitting ACT Scores: 0.02
Submitting SAT Scores: 196
Submitting ACT Scores: 16
SAT Composite: 25th Percentile: 1,290
SAT Composite: 50th Percentile: 1,340
SAT Composite: 75th Percentile: 1,403
SAT Math: 25th Percentile: 650
SAT Math: 50th Percentile: 690
SAT Math: 75th Percentile: 730
ACT Composite: 25th Percentile: 28%
ACT Composite: 50th Percentile: 30%
ACT Composite: 75th Percentile: 31%
ACT Math: 25th Percentile: 25%
ACT Math: 50th Percentile: 27%
ACT Math: 75th Percentile: 32%
ACT English: 25th Percentile: 29%
ACT English: 50th Percentile: 32%
ACT English: 75th Percentile: 34%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-800: 29.25
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600-699: 63.27
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500-599: 6.8
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 400-499: 0
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 300-399: 0.68
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-299: 0
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Total: 100
SAT Math: 700-800: 44.9
SAT Math: 600-699: 46.26
SAT Math: 500-599: 8.16
SAT Math: 400-499: 0.68
SAT Math: 300-399: 0
SAT Math: 200-299: 0
SAT Math: Total: 100
SAT Composite: 1400-1600: 28.06
SAT Composite: 1200-1399: 65.31
SAT Composite: 1000-1199: 6.12
SAT Composite: 800-999: 0.51
SAT Composite: 600-799: 0
SAT Composite: 400-599: 0
SAT Composite: Total: 100
ACT Composite: 30-36: 56.25
ACT Composite: 24-29: 43.75
ACT Composite: 18-23: 0
ACT Composite: 12-17: 0
ACT Composite: 6-11: 0
ACT Composite: Below 6: 0
ACT Composite: Total: 100
Percent in top tenth of high school graduating class: 34%
Percent in top quarter of high school graduating class: 66%
Percent in top half of high school graduating class: 95%
Percent in bottom half of high school graduating class: 5.0%
Percent in bottom quarter of high school graduating class: 2.0%
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school class rank:: 25%
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:: 0
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:: 0

Admission Policies

Does your institution have an application fee?: Yes
Amount of application fee:: 75
Can it be waived for applicants with financial need?: Yes
Same fee: X
Application closing date (fall): 1
Priority Date: 15
Date: X
No set Date: 5
Must reply by May 1st or within____weeks if notified after: 1
Yes, in part: 5
No: 1
Does your institution allow students to postpone enrollment after admission?: Yes
If yes, maximum period of postponement:: 1 Year
Does your institution allow high school students to enroll as full-time, first-time, first-year students one year or more before high school graduation?: No
Does your institution offer an early decision plan (an admission plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date and that asks students to commit to attending if accepted) for first-time, first-year applicants for fall enrollment?: Yes
Other early decision plan closing date: 1/15
Number of early decision applications received by your institution: 637
Number of applicants admitted under early decision plan: 389
Do you have a nonbinding early action plan whereby students are notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date but do not have to commit to attending your college?: No

Transfer Admission37

Fall Applicants

If yes, may transfer students earn advanced standing credit by transferring credits earned from course work completed at other colleges/universities?: Yes
Men: 330
Women: 205
Unknown: 537
Total: 132
Men: 103
Another Gender: 235
Unknown: 61
Total: 35
Women: 96

Application for Admission

Fall: X
Spring: X
Must a transfer applicant have a minimum number of credits completed or else must apply as an entering first-year student?: Yes
High school transcript: Required of Some
College transcript(s): Required of All
Essay or personal statement: Not Required
Interview: Not Required
Standardized test scores: Not Required
Statement of good standing from prior institution(s): Not Required
List any other application requirements specific to transfer applicants:: Official Transfer College Report from each institution attended along with two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or both. Midsemester progress report. Students whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from an approved test to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Fall: 4
Winter: 1
Fall: 11
Winter: 1
Fall: 4
Winter: 1
Does an open admission policy, if reported, apply to transfer students?: No
Describe additional requirements for transfer admission, if applicable:: Official Transfer College Report from each institution attended along with two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or both. Mid-semester progress report

Transfer Credit Policies

Number: 60
Unit Type: credit
Number: 60
Unit Type: credit
Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:: 60
American Council on Education (ACE): No
College Level Examination Program (CLEP): No
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): No
Are the military/veteran credit transfer policies published on your website?: No

Academic Offerings and Policies16

Special Study Options

Cross-registration: X
Double major: X
Exchange student program (domestic): X
Honors Program: X
Independent study: X
Internships: X
Liberal arts/career combination: X
Study abroad: X
Undergraduate Research: X
Other (specify):: X

Required Course Work

Computer literacy: X
English (including composition): X
Intensive writing: X
Mathematics: X
Sciences (biological or physical): X
Other (describe):: X

Student Life34

Percent Participating

Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 54%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 15%
Percent of women who join sororities: 27%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 94%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 6.0%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0
Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 53%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 11%
Percent of women who join sororities: 19%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 73%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 27%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0

Average Age

Average age of full-time students: 18
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 18
Average age of full-time students: 20
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 20

Activities Offered

Campus Ministries: X
Choral groups: X
Concert band: X
Dance: X
Drama/theater: X
International Student Organization: X
Jazz band: X
Model UN: X
Music ensembles: X
Musical theater: X
Pep band: X
Radio station: X
Student government: X
Student newspaper: X
Yearbook: X

Housing

Coed dorms: X
Apartments for single students: X
Theme housing: X

Annual Expenses23

Information

Please provide the URL of your institution’s net price calculator:: https://bentley.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx
If your institution's 2025-2026 academic year costs of attendance are not available at this time please respond.: X

Private Tuition

Tuition: 61000
Tuition: 61000

All Institutions Expenses

Required Fees:: 20140
Food and housing (on-campus):: 20140
Housing Only (on-campus):: 12220
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 7920
Required Fees:: 20140
Food and housing (on-campus):: 20140
Housing Only (on-campus):: 12220
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 7920

Tuition Policies

Do tuition and fees vary by year of study (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior)?: No
Do tuition and fees vary by undergraduate instructional program?: No

Estimated Expenses

Books and supplies:: 1200
Transportation:: 1450
Other expenses:: 1450
Books and supplies:: 1200
Transportation: 1450
Other expenses:: 1450
Books and supplies:: 1200
Transportation:: 1450
Other expenses:: 1450

Financial Aid115

Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 429
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 21,176
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 21
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 30,527
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 1,491
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 1,998
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 102
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 28,828
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 18
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 7,886
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 1
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 77,501

Methodology

Both FM and IM: 4625472

Need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 1356200
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 70291211
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 3547713
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 79820596
Total Scholarships/Grants: 6392981
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 2332785
Federal Work-Study: 0
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 8725766
Total Self-Help: 0
Parent Loans: 0
Athletic Awards: 0

Non-need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 0
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 33360610
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 393190
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 33753800
Total Scholarships/Grants: 21265639
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 2371105
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 23636744
Total Self-Help: 13353213
Parent Loans: 0

Students Awarded Aid

A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 1,120
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 806
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 545
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 543
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 542
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 427
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 100
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 129
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 88%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 47713
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 44151
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 4633
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 3085
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 4,242
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 2,516
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 1,937
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 1,926
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 1,915
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 1,556
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 352
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 492
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 86%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 46934
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 42674
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 5574
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 4102
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 46
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 11
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 4
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 4
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 3
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 3
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 1
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 1
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 100%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 9314
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 7497
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 4921
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 3667

Graduating Cohort

Provide the number of students in the 2024 undergraduate class who started at your institution as first-time students and received a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Exclude students who transferred into your institution.: 800

Source Type Loan

A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 414
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 394
C. Institutional loan programs.: 0
D. State loan programs.: 29
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 122
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 52.00
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 49.00
C. Institutional loan programs.: 0.00
D. State loan programs.: 4.00
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 15.00
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 40742
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 22329
C. Institutional loan programs.: 0
D. State loan programs.: 6828
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 64523

Aid to Nonresidents

Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: X
If institutional financial aid is available for undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents, provide the number of undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents who were awarded need-based or non-need-based aid:: 345
Average dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 21,676
Total dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 7,478,170

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA: X
CSS PROFILE: X
Noncustodial PROFILE: X
Business/Farm Supplement: X
Other (specify):: X

Financial Aid Deadlines

Priority date for filing required financial aid forms:: X
Deadline for filing required financial aid forms:: 11
No deadline for filing required forms (applications processed on a rolling basis): 15

Aid Available

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: X
State Loans: X
Federal Pell Grants: X
Federal SEOG: X
State scholarships/grants: X
Private scholarships: X
College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds: X

Institutional Aid

Academics: X
Athletics: X
Leadership: X
Academics: X
Athletics: X
If your institution has recently implemented any major financial aid policy, program, or initiative to make your institution more affordable to incoming students such as replacing loans with grants, or waiving costs for families below a certain income level please provide details:: CDS-H Page 26 Common Data Set 2024-2025

Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred16

Diploma/Certificates

Computer and information sciences: 4.91
Liberal arts/general studies: 3.76
Social sciences: 1.36
TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Associate

TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Bachelors

Agriculture: 0.1
Natural resources and conservation: 0.31
Architecture: 0.42
Computer and information sciences: 11
Education: 1.36
Liberal arts/general studies: 24
Military science and military technologies: 28
Social sciences: 45
Mechanic and repair technologies: 4.91
Business/marketing: 88.71
TOTAL (should = 100%): 957

Enrollment And Persistence113

Institutional Enrollment

Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: men: 618
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 61
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 2,003
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 0
Other first-year, degree-seeking: women: 2,702
Other first-year, degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 436
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 34
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 1,279
Other first-year, degree-seeking: another gender: 1,776
Other first-year, degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate students: another gender: 0
Total undergraduate students: unknown: 2
Degree-seeking, first-time: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 0
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 4,526
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 807
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 5,333
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: unknown: 0
Total All Students: unknown: 0

All

Total graduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0

Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

Nonresidents: 160
Hispanic/Latino: 193
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 61
White, non-Hispanic: 504
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0
Asian, non-Hispanic: 97
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 1
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 32
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 8
TOTAL: 1,056
Nonresidents: 654
Hispanic/Latino: 638
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 200
White, non-Hispanic: 2,349
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 5
Asian, non-Hispanic: 447
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 2
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 133
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 46
TOTAL: 4,474
Nonresidents: 699
Hispanic/Latino: 639
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 200
White, non-Hispanic: 2,349
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 5
Asian, non-Hispanic: 447
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 2
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 133
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 52
TOTAL: 4,526

Persistence

Bachelor's degrees: 921
Master's degrees: 504
Doctoral degrees – research/scholarship: 6

Graduation Rates

Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 143
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 528
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 343
Total: 1,014
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 0
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 143
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 528
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 343
Total: 1,014
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 100
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 454
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 263
Total: 817
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 16
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 26
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 17
Total: 59
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 3
Total: 4
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 117
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 480
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 283
Total: 880
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 81.8
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 90.9
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 82.5
Total: 86.8
Total: 0
Total: 0
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Total: 0
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 0
Total: 0
2021 Cohort: 0
2020 Cohort: 0
2021 Cohort: 150
2021 Cohort: 150
2020 Cohort: 18

Instructional Faculty And Class Size34

Instructional Faculty

A. Total number of instructional faculty: 295
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 58
C. Total number who are women: 134
D. Total number who are men: 161
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 56
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 238
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 31
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 1
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 25
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 0
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 217
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 41
C. Total number who are women: 77
D. Total number who are men: 137
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 8
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 112
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 70
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 8
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 27
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 0
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 512
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 99
C. Total number who are women: 211
D. Total number who are men: 298
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 64
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 350
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 101
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 9
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 52
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 0

Student to Faculty Ratio

Fall 2024 Student to Faculty ratio: 12
based on ____ students: 4,495
and ____ faculty: 367

Undergraduate Class Size

Total: 0

Source: Bentley University's Common Data Set 2024-25

About Bentley University

Bentley University is a small private university in Waltham, MA, in a city setting.

What Bentley University looks for

Bentley University admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

Frequently asked

What SAT score do I need for Bentley University?
Bentley University's middle 50% SAT range is 1280 to 1430. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for Bentley University?
Middle 50% ACT range is 28 to 31. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at Bentley University?
Bentley University admits roughly 45% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.
What does Bentley University actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $37,930 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is Bentley University a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Bentley University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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