Median Earnings (1yr)
$70,365
91st percentile
Median Debt
$26,000
At national median

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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Bentley University$70,365$89,440+27%
Elon University$60,719$92,616+53%
Worcester Polytechnic Institute$72,850$89,485+23%
New York University$41,421$78,522+90%
Wentworth Institute of Technology$73,382$78,432+7%

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$70,365$89,440$26,0000.37
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$73,382$78,432$27,0000.37
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester$59,070$72,850$89,485$26,5000.36
National Median—$50,740—$26,0000.51
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.