Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bentley University

Bentley's business program stands out even in Massachusetts' competitive landscape, with first-year earnings of $67,903 placing it at the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide. That puts graduates within striking distance of elite programs like Boston College and Boston University, but with roughly half the typical debt load you'd expect from those institutions. The $25,000 median debt is manageable enough that graduates can realistically pay it down within their first few years of working.

The 27% earnings growth to $86,432 by year four suggests graduates are advancing into meaningful roles rather than plateauing early. What makes this particularly compelling is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—graduates earn nearly three times their debt in their first year alone. For context, the typical Massachusetts business grad starts at $48,790, meaning Bentley students have a $19,000 annual advantage right out of the gate.

The value proposition here is clear: Bentley delivers near-elite outcomes at a middle-tier price point. With a 48% admission rate, it's accessible to strong students who might not get into the absolute top programs, yet it produces graduate earnings that compete directly with those schools. For parents weighing cost against career outcomes, this program offers an unusually favorable tradeoff in one of the country's most expensive education markets.