Bentley University's published cost of attendance is $77,082 per year, including $58,150 in tuition, $19,200 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $38,787 after financial aid, representing savings of $38,295 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $77,082 |
| Tuition and Fees | $58,150 |
| Room and Board | $19,200 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$38,295 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $38,787 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $24,239 |
| $30–48k | $23,482 |
| $48–75k | $25,331 |
| $75–110k | $35,581 |
| $110k+ | $49,750 |
Bentley University's published cost of attendance is $77,082 per year, including $58,150 in tuition, $19,200 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $38,787 after financial aid, representing savings of $38,295 from the sticker price. This net price sits $11,644 above the peer median of $27,143, indicating higher costs than similar institutions even after financial aid. The substantial gap between published price and average net cost reflects Bentley's financial aid strategy, though the institution remains more expensive than peer institutions after aid.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $24,239 for the lowest-income families to $49,750 for the highest-income bracket. This represents a $25,511 spread between the most and least expensive family income tiers, showing meaningful financial aid targeting toward lower-income families despite the overall higher cost structure.
Bentley University enrolls 15.1% Pell-eligible students, well below the national average for four-year institutions, reflecting its focus on students from higher-income backgrounds. The $38,295 average financial aid savings reduces the published price by nearly 50%, though the resulting net price remains above peer medians across all income levels.
The aid structure shows meaningful support for lower-income families, with the bottom three income tiers paying between $23,482 and $25,331. Financial aid distribution aligns with Bentley's student composition, concentrating resources on the smaller population of lower-income students while maintaining higher net prices for middle and upper-income families. The progressive pricing structure supports economic diversity within the constraints of a high-cost private business school model.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Median student debt at Bentley University is $25,023, with debt ranging from $14,548 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile. This debt level ranks at the 28th percentile nationally, indicating modestly below average borrowing compared to all four-year institutions.
Compared to the peer median debt of $24,181, Bentley students borrow $842 more, a minimal difference that suggests similar debt patterns among comparable institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with median debt representing roughly one-fifth of annual earnings. Parent PLUS debt averages $40,572 with monthly payments of $534.
The relatively narrow debt distribution from $14,548 to $27,000 suggests consistent borrowing patterns across students, reflecting both institutional aid policies and the business-focused student body's approach to educational financing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Bentley University delivers exceptional return on investment despite higher upfront costs. Graduates earn $26,163 beyond expectations, ranking at the 96.3rd percentile nationally, while borrowing only $842 more than peer medians.
The median earnings of $120,959 rank at the 99th percentile, generating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 that supports comfortable loan repayment. Compared to peer institutions with median earnings of $63,066, Bentley graduates earn $57,893 more annually—a premium that far exceeds the modest additional borrowing. This represents among the strongest return profiles nationally, with high earnings achieved alongside controlled debt levels.
The institution's focus on business and technology programs translates to career outcomes that justify the higher investment for families seeking maximum economic return.
