Marist vs Bentley University

Marist College and Bentley University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Marist, a private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, New York, boasts a 68% acceptance rate and a diverse student body representing 48 states and 60 countries. Bentley, a private business university in Waltham, Massachusetts, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 60% and a student body primarily focused on business and related fields. While both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Marist is known for its strengths in liberal arts, sciences, and healthcare, while Bentley excels in business, accounting, and finance. With Marist's higher graduation rate of 83% compared to Bentley's 79%, prospective students can explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which institution better aligns with their academic aspirations and career goals.

	Bentley University	Marist College
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Poughkeepsie, New York
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: 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%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.9%	59.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $150	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1240 - 1413	1196 - 1360
ACT range	28 - 32	26 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	9,311	11,583
Total number of admissions given out	5,674	6,944
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,019	1,272
Yield rate	18.0%	18.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	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	$65,235
Average net price	$41,708	$37,868
Tuition	$54,910	$42,650
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,000 Meal plan: $7,130	Room/dormitory: $10,450 Meal plan: $6,200
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	77.0% Average amount $30,491	94.0% Average amount $22,531
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,402	56.0% Average amount $5,322
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $21,755	9.0% Average amount $22,293

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,996 Men 60.6% Women 39.4%	5,510 Men 42.6% Women 57.4%
Graduate students	1,162 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	886 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	56.2%
International students	16.8%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,350	3,482
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 York New Jersey Connecticut Mississippi Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science Mathematics and Statistics	Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	81.7%
Dropout rate	4.0%	3.9%
Transferred out	7.9%	14.1%
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 Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,291 Year 2: $88,506 Year 3: $98,268 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,698 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $89,521 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,483 Year 2: $73,769 Year 3: $81,980 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,648 Year 2: $72,509 Year 3: $76,229 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,669 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,443 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,088 Year 2: $72,369 Year 3: $71,731 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,007 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $70,125 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,869 Year 2: $51,464 Year 3: $67,228 Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,004 Year 2: $49,344 Year 3: $62,054 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,582 Year 2: $51,829 Year 3: $55,551

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Marist College and Bentley University?

Marist College offers a broad liberal arts education with strong programs in communications, business, and science. Bentley University, on the other hand, is primarily focused on business education, offering a wide range of business-related majors and a strong emphasis on practical application and technology within the business world.
How do the campus environments and locations differ between Marist and Bentley?

Marist College is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, a mid-sized city on the Hudson River, offering a more traditional college town feel. Bentley University is situated in Waltham, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, providing easy access to the city's resources and opportunities while maintaining a smaller campus environment.
Which school is generally considered more selective in its admissions process?

Bentley University typically has a more selective admissions process than Marist College. This means that, on average, Bentley may require higher standardized test scores and a stronger academic record for admission.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare at Marist and Bentley?

Both Marist and Bentley offer robust career services and internship opportunities. However, Bentley's career services are heavily geared towards business-related fields, leveraging its strong corporate connections in the Boston area. Marist offers career services across a wider range of disciplines, including communications, arts, and sciences, with connections in the New York metropolitan area.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each institution?

Both Marist College and Bentley University pride themselves on offering a personalized learning experience. Marist typically has an average class size of around 21 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. Bentley's average class size is around 23 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Bentley's slightly lower ratio may allow for more individualized attention.
How do the costs of attending Marist College and Bentley University compare?

Generally, Bentley University tends to have a higher overall cost of attendance compared to Marist College. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. It's important to check the most recent figures on each school's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each school?

Both Marist and Bentley offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities and student organizations. Marist has a strong presence in student government, clubs related to specific academic interests, and Division I athletics. Bentley also has a diverse range of clubs and organizations, with a particular emphasis on business-related groups, as well as a strong athletic program (Division II).
How do the alumni networks of Marist and Bentley compare?

Both Marist and Bentley have active and supportive alumni networks. Bentley's alumni network is particularly strong in the business and finance sectors, especially in the Northeast. Marist's alumni network is more diverse, reflecting its broader range of academic programs, with a significant presence in media, communications, and technology, particularly in the New York area.
What are the strengths of Marist College's communications program compared to Bentley University?

Marist College's communications program is known for its hands-on learning experiences, including its student-run television station and newspaper. While Bentley offers communications courses within its business curriculum, Marist provides a more comprehensive and dedicated communications program for students interested in journalism, broadcasting, and public relations.
How does Bentley University integrate technology into its curriculum compared to Marist College?

Bentley University is known for its strong integration of technology into its business curriculum. The school emphasizes the use of data analytics, software, and other technological tools to solve business problems. While Marist also incorporates technology into its programs, Bentley's focus is more pronounced and specifically tailored to the business world.
If I'm interested in studying abroad, how do the opportunities compare between Marist and Bentley?

Both Marist College and Bentley University offer a variety of study abroad programs. Marist has partnerships with universities around the world, allowing students to immerse themselves in different cultures and academic environments. Bentley also offers numerous study abroad options, often with a focus on international business and global perspectives. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests and desired location.
What are some unique aspects of Marist College that differentiate it from Bentley University?

Marist College's location on the Hudson River provides a unique setting and opportunities for environmental studies and outdoor activities. Its strong liberal arts foundation and emphasis on community engagement also set it apart. The Dyson Center at Marist is a state-of-the-art facility that houses many of the school's academic programs. These aspects contribute to a distinct college experience compared to Bentley's more business-focused environment.
What are some unique aspects of Bentley University that differentiate it from Marist College?

Bentley University's singular focus on business education allows for specialized resources and a highly career-oriented environment. Its Trading Room, a simulated financial trading floor, provides students with hands-on experience in financial markets. Bentley's strong relationships with corporations in the Boston area also offer unparalleled internship and job opportunities for business students. These features distinguish Bentley as a leading business school.

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