Bentley vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Rider University 14:1.

Bentley vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Rider University? 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 Rider University than Bentley ($26,506 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 14.4% lower than at Bentley University ($17,230 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 48.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $19,880 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.3% higher at Bentley than at Rider University (about $19,880 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Bentley University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bentley University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($33,673 vs. $29,294).

Bentley vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 150 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Bentley students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at Rider University (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Bentley vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Rider University? 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 Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $34,200 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($266 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 73%)

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.