Bentley vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with SUNY at Purchase College in Purchase, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bentley University is larger than Purchase College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bentley vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Bentley ($18,211 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 18.4% lower than at Bentley University ($16,436 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 581.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $52,047 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.7% higher at Bentley than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $41,797 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at SUNY at Purchase College (88% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bentley University students is 222.8% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($33,673 vs. $10,432).

Bentley vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 80 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Bentley students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Bentley vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $47,000 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($232 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 65%)

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.