Bentley vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Bentley based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 5,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Bentley vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than Bentley ($29,325 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 21.4% lower than at Bentley University ($15,834 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 28.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $13,495 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.4% higher at Bentley than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $13,495 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Bentley University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 4% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($35,007 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 110 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Bentley students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Bentley vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Jefferson? 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $35,700 more per year than Bentley graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $87,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($129 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jefferson students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 86%)

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.