Bentley vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bentley University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Bard College 9:1.

Bentley vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Bard College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bard College than Bentley ($29,320 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 6.4% lower than at Bentley University ($18,852 vs. $20,140).
• Bard College is 8.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $5,436 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at Bard College than at Bentley University (about $5,436 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Bard College (88% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 64% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($55,235 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bentley or Bard College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bard College and Bentley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is the same as at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Bentley vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Bard College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bentley University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $45,600 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $306 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($26,194 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($270 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.