Bentley University vs James Madison University (JMU)

Bentley University and James Madison University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Bentley, a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, boasts a strong business and technology focus, while James Madison, a public university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, excels in the liberal arts and sciences. With acceptance rates of 38% and 69%, respectively, Bentley's selectivity may appeal to those seeking a more competitive academic environment. Bentley's student body is predominantly female (60%), while James Madison's is more evenly balanced (51% female, 49% male). Both universities offer a diverse range of majors, with Bentley specializing in business, computer science, and finance, and James Madison excelling in biology, psychology, and communication. With graduation rates of 88% and 78%, respectively, both universities demonstrate a commitment to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic

	Bentley University	James Madison University
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Harrisonburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.9%	86.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $150	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1240 - 1413	1140 - 1310
ACT range	28 - 32	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	9,311	21,176
Total number of admissions given out	5,674	18,265
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,019	4,767
Yield rate	18.0%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$75,615	In state: $29,293 Out of state: $46,219
Average net price	$41,708	$18,528
Tuition	$54,910	In state: $7,460 Out of state: $23,800
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,000 Meal plan: $7,130	Room/dormitory: $5,564 Meal plan: $5,986
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	77.0% Average amount $30,491	31.0% Average amount $9,594
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,402	33.0% Average amount $5,199
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $21,755	8.0% Average amount $18,776

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,996 Men 60.6% Women 39.4%	20,070 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
Graduate students	1,162 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	2,096 Men 29.4% Women 70.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	16.8%	1.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	3,350	6,513
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi Connecticut New York New Jersey New Hampshire	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science Mathematics and Statistics	Health Professions Business Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	81.8%
Dropout rate	4.0%	17.4%
Transferred out	7.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,979 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $127,918 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,349 Year 2: $91,211 Year 3: $97,271 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,364 Year 2: $77,039 Year 3: $94,863 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,051 Year 2: $89,968 Year 3: $94,192 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $81,111 Year 3: $93,567 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,445 Year 2: $79,653 Year 3: $93,407 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,949 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $89,245 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $83,352 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,955 Year 2: $68,147 Year 3: $80,368 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,442 Year 2: $64,253 Year 3: $79,263	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,893 Year 2: $116,083 Year 3: $116,887 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,590 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $105,768 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,457 Year 2: $72,659 Year 3: $85,951 Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,020 Year 2: $72,290 Year 3: $82,877 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,544 Year 2: $67,380 Year 3: $80,406 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,052 Year 2: $66,377 Year 3: $77,982 Systems Science and Theory (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,389 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $75,407 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,331 Year 2: $49,270 Year 3: $69,797 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,114 Year 2: $57,943 Year 3: $69,218 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,708 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $68,304

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Bentley University and James Madison University?

Bentley University excels in business-related fields, offering a strong emphasis on accounting, finance, marketing, and management. James Madison University (JMU) provides a broader range of academic programs, including strong offerings in business, education, health sciences, and the liberal arts. If you're certain about pursuing a business career, Bentley is a focused choice. If you're interested in exploring diverse academic areas, JMU offers greater breadth.
How do the campus environments and locations differ between Bentley and JMU?

Bentley University is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, a suburban setting near Boston, offering access to a major metropolitan area and its professional opportunities. James Madison University is situated in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. JMU offers a more traditional college town experience with a larger, more self-contained campus feel. Consider whether you prefer a suburban environment with city access or a classic college town atmosphere.
What is the typical student body size and campus culture like at each university?

Bentley University has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community with a strong focus on career preparation. James Madison University has a larger student population, creating a more diverse and vibrant campus environment with a wider range of extracurricular activities and social opportunities. Bentley's culture is often described as career-oriented and professional, while JMU's is known for its school spirit and strong sense of community.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Bentley and JMU?

Bentley University is renowned for its exceptional career services, providing extensive resources for internships, job placement, and networking within the business world. James Madison University also offers robust career services, with a strong alumni network and opportunities across various industries. However, Bentley's specialized focus on business gives it a distinct advantage in business-related career placement.
What are the differences in tuition costs and financial aid options between Bentley and JMU?

Bentley University, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost compared to James Madison University, which is a public university. Both universities offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's essential to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) at each institution based on your individual financial circumstances. Explore the financial aid calculators on both university websites to get a personalized estimate.
How do the athletic programs and school spirit compare at Bentley and JMU?

James Madison University has a more prominent athletic program, particularly in football, and boasts a higher level of school spirit and tradition. Bentley University offers a range of athletic programs, but its focus is less on large-scale spectator sports. If you prioritize a vibrant athletic scene and strong school spirit, JMU might be a better fit. If athletics are less of a priority, Bentley's offerings may suffice.
What are the strengths of Bentley University's business programs compared to JMU's?

Bentley University's business programs are highly specialized and career-focused, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and industry connections. JMU's business programs are also strong, but they are part of a broader academic environment. Bentley's curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in business, while JMU offers a more well-rounded education with business as one of its many strengths. Bentley's accounting program, in particular, is nationally recognized.
How do the residential life and housing options differ between the two universities?

Both Bentley and JMU offer a variety of on-campus housing options. JMU, with its larger student body, has a more extensive residential life program with diverse housing styles and themed communities. Bentley's residential life is more focused on creating a supportive and career-oriented environment. Consider whether you prefer a larger, more diverse residential experience or a smaller, more focused one.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each university?

James Madison University offers a vast array of extracurricular activities and student organizations, reflecting its larger student body and diverse interests. Bentley University also provides a range of clubs and organizations, with a particular emphasis on business-related activities and professional development. JMU offers more breadth, while Bentley offers more depth in business-related areas.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific business major, such as accounting or finance?

Bentley University is generally considered superior for students specifically interested in accounting or finance due to its specialized curriculum, strong faculty expertise, and extensive industry connections in these fields. While JMU offers solid programs in these areas, Bentley's focused approach provides a more direct path to career success in these specific business disciplines.

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