Bentley vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Bentley based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 5,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Bentley vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or SMU? 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 SMU ($45,802 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 5.3% lower than at Bentley University ($19,064 vs. $20,140).
• Southern Methodist University is 9.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $6,040 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at SMU than at Bentley University (about $6,040 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Southern Methodist University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 11.4% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($37,520 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 60 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming SMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Bentley vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($222 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 76%)

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.