Bentley vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Bentley vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Colgate? 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 Colgate University than Bentley ($28,736 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 12.6% lower than at Bentley University ($17,610 vs. $20,140).
• Colgate University is 15.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $9,306 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at Colgate than at Bentley University (about $9,306 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Colgate University (88% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 73.2% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($58,334 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 130 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Bentley vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Colgate? 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).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Bentley University's (88%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,375 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($16,125 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($166 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate 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.