Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,447
95th percentile (80th in MA)
Median Debt
$26,000
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.43
Manageable
Sample Size
149
Adequate data

Analysis

Bentley graduates earn $14,000 more in their first year than the typical marketing graduate nationwide—a 31% premium that places this program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Massachusetts schools. Only Boston College produces higher-earning marketing graduates in the state, and Bentley's outcomes significantly outpace larger programs like UMass-Amherst. With debt of $26,000 (essentially the national median), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, meaning they owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that's better than most business programs.

The earnings trajectory reinforces Bentley's value: graduates see 29% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $78,000. This sustained growth indicates employers value the skills these students develop, likely reflecting Bentley's business-focused curriculum and strong corporate connections in the Boston area. The school's relatively selective profile (1340 SAT average, 48% admission rate) suggests students arrive prepared to capitalize on these opportunities.

For parents weighing the investment, this is one of the clearest positive outcomes in marketing education. Your child would graduate earning more than three-quarters of marketing majors nationwide while carrying typical debt levels. The business school specialization appears to deliver tangible career advantages over general university marketing programs.

Where Bentley University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Bentley UniversityOther marketing programs

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 $60k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all 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

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bentley University$60,447$77,885$26,0000.43
Boston College$66,227$89,379$18,0000.27
University of Massachusetts-Amherst$58,462$62,209$23,7500.41
Assumption University$55,314$62,024$27,0000.49
Stonehill College$50,025$74,083$26,0000.52
Endicott College$49,913$26,9810.54
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Massachusetts

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Boston College
Chestnut Hill
$67,680$66,227$18,000
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst
$17,357$58,462$23,750
Assumption University
Worcester
$49,414$55,314$27,000
Stonehill College
Easton
$54,500$50,025$26,000
Endicott College
Beverly
$39,212$49,913$26,981

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 149 graduates with reported earnings and 145 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.