Bentley vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Providence College 11:1.

Bentley vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Providence? 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 Bentley University than Providence ($45,802 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 11.4% lower than at Bentley University ($17,840 vs. $20,140).
• Providence College is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $2,550 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Providence than at Bentley University (about $2,550 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Providence College (88% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bentley University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($33,673 vs. $31,873).

Bentley vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 40 points higher than at Providence (1320).
• Incoming Providence students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Providence has a higher acceptance rate (50.9%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Bentley vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Providence? 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 Providence College's (85%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $19,200 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bentley University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bentley graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Providence students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 80%)

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.