Bentley University vs Suffolk

Bentley University and Suffolk University, both located in Massachusetts, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Bentley, known for its business programs, boasts a lower acceptance rate (29%) compared to Suffolk's (75%). While Bentley's student body is predominantly female (60%), Suffolk's is more evenly balanced (52% female, 48% male). In terms of popular majors, Bentley excels in business, accounting, and finance, while Suffolk shines in criminal justice, psychology, and communications. With a higher graduation rate (83%) and a larger endowment, Bentley may appeal to those seeking a strong business education and a well-resourced campus. Suffolk, on the other hand, offers a more diverse student body and a wider range of undergraduate programs, catering to students with varied interests. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.
Bentley University logo

Bentley University

Suffolk University logo

Suffolk University

Overview

Location Waltham, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0% 78.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 60.9% 88.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $150
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1240 - 1413 1080 - 1280
ACT range 28 - 32 23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 27.0% 19.0%
Students submitting ACT score 5.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 9,311 7,501
Total number of admissions given out 5,674 6,603
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,019 982
Yield rate 18.0% 14.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $75,615 $66,127
Average net price $41,708 $32,393
Tuition $54,910 $41,242
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,000

Meal plan: $7,130
Room/dormitory: $14,850

Meal plan: $3,646
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

77.0%
Average amount $30,491
97.0%
Average amount $25,670
Students receiving federal student loan 44.0%
Average amount $5,402
62.0%
Average amount $5,337
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $21,755
18.0%
Average amount $16,757

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,996
Men 60.6% Women 39.4%
4,227
Men 41.0% Women 59.0%
Graduate students 1,162
Men 47.6% Women 52.4%
2,420
Men 37.1% Women 62.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 16.8% 13.5%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,350 1,570
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 New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island New York California

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 88.0% 60.3%
Dropout rate 4.0% 11.5%
Transferred out 7.9% 27.7%
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
Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,870
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $98,105
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,557
  • Year 2: $83,388
  • Year 3: $91,689
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,460
  • Year 2: $87,973
  • Year 3: $90,316
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,669
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,861
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,980
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $82,759
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,895
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $81,268
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,555
  • Year 2: $67,273
  • Year 3: $77,798
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,355
  • Year 2: $59,253
  • Year 3: $72,153
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,040
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $67,609
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,995
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $65,266

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Bentley University and Suffolk University?

    Bentley University is primarily focused on business education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate business programs. Suffolk University, while also having a strong business school, offers a broader range of programs including liberal arts, law, and communication. Bentley has a more suburban campus setting in Waltham, MA, while Suffolk is located in the heart of downtown Boston.

  • Which university is better for business majors?

    Both universities offer excellent business programs. However, Bentley University is generally considered to have a stronger reputation and more specialized focus on business education. Suffolk University's business school is also well-regarded, particularly for its location in the financial district of Boston, providing excellent internship opportunities.

  • How do the campus environments compare?

    Bentley University offers a more traditional, self-contained campus environment in Waltham, MA, about 10 miles west of Boston. Suffolk University's campus is integrated into downtown Boston, offering a vibrant urban experience with easy access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and businesses. Bentley provides a more residential campus feel, while Suffolk offers a more commuter-oriented experience, though on-campus housing is available.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at Bentley and Suffolk?

    Generally, Bentley University tends to have a higher tuition cost compared to Suffolk University. However, the overall cost can vary depending on financial aid packages and individual circumstances. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore available scholarships and financial aid options.

  • Which university offers a wider range of academic programs?

    Suffolk University offers a broader range of academic programs compared to Bentley University. While Bentley primarily focuses on business-related fields, Suffolk offers programs in liberal arts, sciences, communication, law, and more, in addition to its business school offerings.

  • How do the internship opportunities compare between the two universities?

    Both Bentley and Suffolk offer strong internship opportunities. Bentley's Career Services are highly regarded and focus on placing students in business-related internships. Suffolk University's location in downtown Boston provides students with easy access to internships in various industries, including finance, law, government, and media. Suffolk's proximity to major companies and organizations is a significant advantage.

  • What is the student life like at Bentley and Suffolk?

    Bentley University has a more traditional campus life with a focus on clubs, organizations, and on-campus events. Suffolk University offers a more urban student life, with students taking advantage of the city's cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and social opportunities. Both universities have active student governments and a variety of extracurricular activities.

  • How do the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios compare?

    Both Bentley and Suffolk generally maintain relatively small class sizes and favorable student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. You can find the specific student-to-faculty ratios and average class sizes on each university's website.

  • Which university is better for international students?

    Both Bentley and Suffolk welcome international students and offer resources to support their academic and personal success. Suffolk University's location in a diverse city like Boston can be particularly appealing to international students. Both universities have international student services offices that provide assistance with visa requirements, housing, and cultural adjustment.

  • What are the career outcomes for graduates of Bentley and Suffolk?

    Both Bentley and Suffolk have strong career placement rates for their graduates. Bentley graduates are highly sought after in the business world, particularly in finance, accounting, and consulting. Suffolk graduates find employment in a variety of fields, including business, law, government, and non-profit organizations. Both universities have career services departments that provide career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance.

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