Analysis
Bentley's Business Communications program commands premium pricing but backs it up with exceptional national outcomes. With first-year graduates earning $57,141—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally for this major—students are gaining access to a caliber of opportunities that most corporate communications programs simply don't deliver. The $25,000 median debt translates to a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, and that initial advantage compounds: four years out, graduates are earning nearly $75,000, representing 31% growth that suggests strong career trajectory rather than a ceiling.
The state-level picture tells a more modest story. At the 60th percentile among Massachusetts programs, Bentley is competitive but not dominant in-state. However, with only three schools offering this major in Massachusetts, the comparison pool is extremely limited, making the national standing more meaningful. The real question for families is whether Bentley's business school brand and network justify any premium over public alternatives. Given that graduates start $16,000 above the national median—a gap that widens over time—the program appears to be monetizing its reputation effectively.
For parents considering this investment, the math works. Your child would enter the workforce with strong earnings potential and reasonable debt, positioning them well above most corporate communications graduates nationwide. The risk isn't financial underperformance; it's whether this career path aligns with your child's long-term goals, given Bentley's business-focused environment.
Where Bentley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bentley University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley University | $57,141 | $74,655 | +31% |
| National University | $38,696 | $69,428 | +79% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $47,880 | $62,502 | +31% |
| Chapman University | $39,901 | $61,840 | +55% |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $41,988 | $58,762 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,150 | $57,141 | $74,655 | $25,000 | 0.44 | |
| $38,520 | $49,378 | $51,589 | $23,250 | 0.47 | |
| $7,464 | $47,880 | $62,502 | $12,125 | 0.25 | |
| $34,595 | $46,213 | $53,616 | $30,619 | 0.66 | |
| $9,711 | $45,997 | $58,198 | $24,567 | 0.53 | |
| $8,606 | $43,149 | $52,519 | $22,375 | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $41,494 | — | $23,250 | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Technical Writers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bentley University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.