Bentley vs. Elms College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bentley University is larger than Elms College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); College of Our Lady of the Elms is in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1.

Bentley vs. Elms College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Elms 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 College of Our Lady of the Elms than Bentley ($19,870 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Our Lady of the Elms are 22.5% lower than at Bentley University ($15,605 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 40.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elms College (about $17,675 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.8% higher at Bentley than at College of Our Lady of the Elms (about $17,675 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at Bentley University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($33,794 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Elms College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bentley or Elms 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 Elms College and Bentley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 120 points higher than at Elms College (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Elms College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Elms College (3.42).
• Elms College has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 10.9% at Elms College.

Bentley vs. Elms College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Elms 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 College of Our Lady of the Elms's (58%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $40,900 more per year than Elms College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $46,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Elms College graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($258 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 61%)

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.