Bentley vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Bentley based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 5,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Bentley vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University than Bentley ($34,207 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 2.8% lower than at Bentley University ($19,580 vs. $20,140).
• Northeastern University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $5,162 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Northeastern than at Bentley University (about $5,162 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Northeastern University (88% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 49.7% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($50,421 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 130 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Northeastern 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; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Northeastern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Bentley vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $17,700 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bentley University graduates have a $1,375 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Bentley graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($274 vs. $288).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 79%)

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.