Bentley vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Smith College 8:1.

Bentley vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Smith 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 Smith College than Bentley ($27,305 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bentley University are 10.8% lower than at Smith College ($20,140 vs. $22,570).
• Smith College is 6.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $4,178 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at Smith College than at Bentley University (about $4,178 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Smith College (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 74.4% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($58,725 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 120 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Bentley vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Smith 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 Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $38,300 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($196 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College 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.