Rutgers NB vs Bentley University

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences in academic focus between Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Bentley University?

  Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields like liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and business. It's a comprehensive research university. Bentley University, on the other hand, primarily focuses on business-related disciplines, offering specialized programs in areas like finance, accounting, marketing, and information technology with a strong emphasis on the integration of business and the arts and sciences.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick has a large, diverse campus spread across several locations in New Brunswick and Piscataway, New Jersey, offering a traditional, large-university experience with a vibrant campus life. Bentley University has a smaller, more intimate campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, fostering a close-knit community feel. Its location provides easy access to Boston's professional and cultural opportunities.

• What is the difference in size and student body diversity?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick is a large public university with a significantly larger student body, encompassing a wide range of backgrounds and interests. Bentley University is a much smaller, private university with a more focused student body primarily interested in business careers. While Bentley strives for diversity, Rutgers generally has a more diverse student population due to its size and public mission.

• How do the career services and internship opportunities differ?

  Both universities offer robust career services. Rutgers benefits from its size and location, providing access to a wide network of employers across various industries. Bentley excels in business-specific career services, with strong relationships with companies in finance, consulting, and technology, particularly in the Boston area. Bentley's curriculum also emphasizes internships and experiential learning, leading to high internship placement rates within the business sector.

• What are the typical costs of attendance for Rutgers and Bentley?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick, as a public university, generally has lower tuition costs for in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition is higher but still often less than private institutions. Bentley University, as a private university, has a higher tuition cost regardless of residency. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of attendance.

• What is the reputation of each school in the business world?

  Both universities are well-regarded. Rutgers Business School is respected, particularly in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area, and benefits from the overall reputation of Rutgers University. Bentley University has a strong national reputation specifically for business education, particularly in areas like accounting and finance. Employers often actively recruit from Bentley due to its career-focused curriculum and strong alumni network in the business world.

• How do the academic programs compare in terms of specialization?

  Rutgers offers a broader range of academic programs, including specialized programs in fields outside of business, such as engineering, medicine, and the arts. Bentley's academic programs are highly specialized within the business domain, offering concentrations and minors that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within business, such as data analytics, global management, or sustainable business.

• What are the advantages of attending a large public university like Rutgers versus a smaller private university like Bentley?

  Rutgers offers the advantages of a large public university, including a diverse student body, a wide range of academic programs, extensive research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs and organizations. Bentley offers the advantages of a smaller private university, including smaller class sizes, more personalized attention from faculty, a close-knit community, and a strong focus on career development within the business sector.

• How do the locations of Rutgers and Bentley impact student life and opportunities?

  Rutgers' location in New Brunswick, New Jersey, provides access to both the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, offering a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. Bentley's location in Waltham, Massachusetts, provides easy access to Boston, a hub for finance, technology, and healthcare, offering students internship and job opportunities, as well as access to cultural attractions and a vibrant city life.

• What kind of student would thrive at Rutgers versus Bentley?

  A student who is seeking a broad academic experience, a diverse student body, and a vibrant campus life with a wide range of extracurricular activities would likely thrive at Rutgers. A student who is highly focused on a career in business, prefers a smaller, more intimate campus environment, and values personalized attention from faculty would likely thrive at Bentley.