Marketing at Bentley University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley University | $60,447 | $77,885 | $26,000 | 0.43 |
| Boston College | $66,227 | $89,379 | $18,000 | 0.27 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $58,462 | $62,209 | $23,750 | 0.41 |
| Assumption University | $55,314 | $62,024 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
| Stonehill College | $50,025 | $74,083 | $26,000 | 0.52 |
| Endicott College | $49,913 | — | $26,981 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.