Mathematics at Bentley University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At nearly $75,000 in first-year earnings, Bentley's mathematics graduates vastly outpace the national median of $49,000 for math majors—a meaningful gap that reflects the program's business-oriented approach. With debt under $20,000 and a 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, the financial fundamentals look solid. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so they're more of a promising signal than a guarantee.
The Massachusetts context reveals something important: while this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it lands at the 60th percentile among Bay State math programs. Massachusetts is home to some of the world's best math programs (MIT and Tufts grads earn $110,000+), so middle-of-the-pack performance here still translates to elite national outcomes. Bentley appears to position math majors toward finance and business analytics roles rather than pure mathematics or research, which explains the strong early earnings.
For a family considering Bentley's math program, the value proposition hinges on fit: if your child wants to apply quantitative skills in business settings, these outcomes justify the investment. If they're drawn to academic mathematics or graduate school preparation, the schools outearning Bentley in Massachusetts might be worth exploring. Just remember that the small cohort size means one exceptional (or struggling) class could significantly shift these figures.
Where Bentley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics 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 $75k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley University | $74,737 | — | $19,334 | 0.26 |
| Tufts University | $110,512 | — | $17,750 | 0.16 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | $10,003 | 0.09 |
| Amherst College | $78,500 | $109,199 | $14,745 | 0.19 |
| Northeastern University | $76,392 | $90,232 | $21,750 | 0.28 |
| Boston College | $74,144 | $98,946 | $18,025 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Other Mathematics Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University Medford | $67,844 | $110,512 | $17,750 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge | $60,156 | $109,288 | $10,003 |
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $78,500 | $14,745 |
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $76,392 | $21,750 |
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $74,144 | $18,025 |
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.