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Bentley University vs Emerson College

Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, MA. Emerson College is a private college in Boston, MA. Bentley University admits about 45% of applicants and Emerson College about 51%, making Bentley University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $37,930 a year at Bentley University after aid, and about $49,180 at Emerson College. About 88% of students graduate at Bentley University, compared with 78% at Emerson College. Ten years after enrolling, Bentley University alumni earn a median of about $120,959, against $62,832 for Emerson College.

Bentley University

Waltham, MA · Private

Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,474
3,870
Acceptance rate
45%
51%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1430
1270–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
28–31
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,930
$49,180
Full cost / yr
$79,548
$80,399
In-state tuition
$61,000
$57,056
Out-of-state tuition
$61,000
$57,056
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,196
$32,650
$30k - $48k
$18,587
$32,621
$48k - $75k
$26,164
$41,927
$75k - $110k
$33,653
$46,252
Over $110k
$49,190
$57,288
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
78%
Freshman retention
93%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$86,679
$42,799
Median earnings (10 yr)
$120,959
$62,832
Median debt at graduation
$25,023
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
16%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
15%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bentley University or Emerson College harder to get into?
Bentley University is harder to get into. It admits about 45% of applicants, compared with 51% at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bentley University or Emerson College?
Bentley University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $37,930 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,180 at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bentley University and Emerson College?
Before aid, Bentley University costs about $79,548 a year and Emerson College about $80,399. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bentley University or Emerson College?
Bentley University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $21,196 there, against about $32,650 at Emerson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bentley University or Emerson College?
Bentley University is the larger of the two, with about 4,474 undergraduates against 3,870 at Emerson College.
Does Bentley University or Emerson College have a better graduation rate?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 78% at Emerson College.
Do graduates of Bentley University or Emerson College earn more?
Bentley University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $120,959 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,832 for Emerson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bentley University and Emerson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bentley University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Emerson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bentley University and Emerson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1430 at Bentley University and 1270–1420 at Emerson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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