Bentley vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bentley vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Bentley ($28,719 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 13.1% lower than at Bentley University ($17,510 vs. $20,140).
• Hamilton College is 13% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $7,960 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13% higher at Hamilton College than at Bentley University (about $7,960 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Hamilton College (88% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 64.9% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($55,511 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 140 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Bentley vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Hamilton 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Bentley University's (88%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Hamilton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $79,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $10,740 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($15,760 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $112 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($162 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamilton College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 90%)

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.