# Bentley University

Waltham, MA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/bentley-university

Bentley University is a private nonprofit college in Waltham, MA with 4,474 undergraduates. It admits 45% of applicants, and admitted students average 1352 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $38,969 per year ($25,905 for families earning under $30,000). 88% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $126,427 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 45% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 10,482 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 5,077 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 630–700 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 650–730 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 28–31 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $83,072 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $38,969 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $25,905 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $17,774 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $27,820 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $36,570 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $50,907 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 4,474 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 88% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $126,427 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,250 (FY2024) |

## What Bentley University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Considered
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Bentley University's acceptance rate?**

Bentley University admits 45% of applicants, which makes it selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Bentley University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 630–700 on SAT Reading and Writing and 650–730 on SAT Math; the average total is 1352.

**What ACT score do you need for Bentley University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 28–31.

**Is Bentley University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Bentley University?**

In Fall 2023, 10,482 students applied to Bentley University and 5,077 were admitted; 1,120 enrolled.

**Does Bentley University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Bentley University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Bentley University require an essay?**

Bentley University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Bentley University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $83,072 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $38,969.

**What is Bentley University's graduation rate?**

88% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 164739. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology