Bentley vs. Wellesley

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Wellesley College is in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Wellesley College 7:1.

Bentley vs. Wellesley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Wellesley? 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 Wellesley College than Bentley ($22,174 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bentley University are 4.2% lower than at Wellesley College ($20,140 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $6,176 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Wellesley than at Bentley University (about $6,176 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Wellesley College (88% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 90.4% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($64,116 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Wellesley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 150 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Wellesley students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Wellesley College 1460/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Wellesley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 47.6% at Wellesley.

Bentley vs. Wellesley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Wellesley? 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).

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Bentley University's (88%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Wellesley graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $68,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $17,600 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($8,900 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $182 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($92 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wellesley 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.