Bentley University admits approximately 48.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Bentley in the Selective (25-50%) tier, representing moderate selectivity among four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates that Bentley is more selective than typical institutions with similar characteristics, admitting 22.1 percentage points fewer applicants than the peer average.
This level of selectivity means that while admission is competitive, well-prepared students with strong academic credentials have reasonable chances of acceptance. Students should present academic profiles that demonstrate readiness for Bentley's business and technology-focused curriculum. The selectivity level suggests that most applicants will need above-average academic preparation, but the institution is more accessible than highly competitive universities with single-digit acceptance rates. For students building balanced college lists, Bentley represents a solid target school for those with strong academic preparation, though applicants should still include safer backup options given the competitive nature of business-focused programs.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Bentley University typically present strong academic credentials. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1250 at the 25th percentile to 1410 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1340. Most admitted students score between 1250 and 1410, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 630 to 720, while SAT Verbal scores span 620 to 690, showing relatively balanced performance across both sections.
ACT scores range from 29 to 32, with a median of 30. These test scores rank among the highest we track, placing Bentley's admitted student profile well above national averages. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1256, Bentley's admitted students score 84 points higher, indicating stronger academic preparation than typical for similar institutions.
Students scoring below 1250 SAT or 29 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the middle 50% ranges, you are academically competitive for admission. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college list, as Bentley attracts academically strong candidates drawn to its business and technology programs.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Bentley University enrolls 15.1% Pell-eligible students and 15.6% first-generation students, indicating a student body drawn primarily from middle and upper-income families. These shares are lower than at public institutions and many private colleges, reflecting both the institution's selectivity and its focus on business and technology programs that may appeal more to students from families with higher educational attainment.
Transfer students represent 5.5% of enrolled students, indicating limited transfer admission opportunities. The composition suggests Bentley prioritizes traditional four-year students over transfer applicants. Geographic diversity varies, though the institution draws students nationally given its strong reputation in business education.
Given Bentley's 48.4% acceptance rate and strong academic profile requirements, many qualified applicants will need backup options. The schools below deliver comparable business career outcomes with more accessible admission.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
First-generation students should know that 15.6% of enrolled students share their background, providing a meaningful community of peers with similar experiences. Students from lower-income families should consider the 15.1% Pell share when assessing cultural fit and financial aid expectations. Transfer applicants should note the limited 5.5% transfer enrollment, suggesting competitive transfer admission standards.
Students who enroll at Bentley University demonstrate strong persistence and completion rates. 92.9% of freshmen return for sophomore year, well above the peer median of 83.1%, indicating effective academic and social support systems. The graduation rate of 88.2% exceeds the peer median of 70.0%, showing consistent degree completion across the student body.
Pell-eligible students graduate at 88.8%, just 0.6 percentage points above the overall graduation rate. This positive gap indicates that lower-income students actually complete degrees at slightly higher rates than the general population, suggesting strong institutional support for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Among selective institutions, this small positive gap represents exceptional performance in supporting economic diversity.
Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with nearly 9 in 10 completing their degrees within six years. Lower-income students should view the slight positive Pell gap as evidence of the institution's commitment to supporting diverse learners through graduation. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they'll experience if admitted.
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#170 ranked)
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools