Business, Management, Marketing, at Bentley University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Bentley's business graduates start strong at $70,365 and build momentum quickly, reaching $89,440 by year four—a 27% jump that puts them well ahead of the typical business graduate nationally. But here's the critical context for Massachusetts families: this performance, while excellent compared to the national median of $50,740, actually lands in the 40th percentile among Bay State business programs. That's the reality of Massachusetts' competitive business education landscape, where schools like Wentworth and Worcester Polytechnic edge slightly higher.
The $26,000 debt load is perfectly aligned with national norms for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. Combined with strong earnings trajectory, most graduates should manage repayment comfortably. The low Pell Grant enrollment (15%) suggests this program primarily serves families who can already afford significant college costs, which may explain why the moderate debt burden works for most students.
For families weighing Bentley against other Massachusetts options, you're paying for consistent outcomes—the robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes. You'll get solidly above-average national results, though you're not necessarily getting the absolute top tier within Massachusetts. If your child has the credentials for Bentley (1340 SAT average), it's worth comparing net costs against the state's highest earners, but the combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth makes this a defensible choice for a business-focused student.
Where Bentley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Bentley University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bentley University graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 91th percentile of all business, management, marketing, bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley University | $70,365 | $89,440 | $26,000 | 0.37 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | $73,382 | $78,432 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $72,850 | $89,485 | $26,500 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $50,740 | — | $26,000 | 0.51 |
Other Business, Management, Marketing, Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston | $41,010 | $73,382 | $27,000 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester | $59,070 | $72,850 | $26,500 |
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 119 graduates with reported earnings and 120 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.