Bentley vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bentley University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Bentley vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson University than Bentley ($32,406 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 9.4% lower than at Bentley University ($18,252 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $1,602 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at Bentley than at Clarkson University (about $1,602 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Bentley University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 38.2% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($46,528 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bentley or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson and Bentley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 60 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Bentley students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Bentley vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Clarkson? 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 Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bentley University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bentley graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 86%)

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.