Campus Visit: Bentley

Bentley University, located in suburban Waltham, Massachusetts, has a strong reputation for students looking to study business anchored in a liberal arts curriculum. Although internships are not required, over 92% of Bentley students participate in at least one internship during their four years. Experiential learning is so varied and well done at Bentley. I was most impressed with the service learning opportunities embedded into many courses and offered to students during school breaks. Students who add a service learning component to a course can earn 1 extra credit, meaning that they’ll earn a full course credit with the addition of 3 service projects over their time at Bentley and make an impact on the local community at the same time. 

Classrooms and facilities are well-maintained, up-to-date, and mostly contained on the upper campus, making commuting between classes quite easy. The campus learning labs are filled with top-of-the-line technology and are active with students and faculty. The Computer Information Systems Sandbox lab is where students go to work on any technology-related assignments, ask tutors for help, or network with others interested in software development, IT, and data analytics. I quickly pulled out my camera when I saw the Trading Room lab where students work on 24 Bloomberg terminals to complete assignments and collaborate with faculty and classmate. 

Bentley students are serious about their academics and hands-on learning opportunities but also leave plenty of time for fun and creating a close community. There is a club for just about any interest. Intramurals are scheduled so students can participate later in the evenings after they’ve wrapped up their classes. The ski club is quite active and offers amazing deals for students looking to take advantage of the many ski resorts around New England. One of the coolest traditions is the annual Super Bingo game where students win fantastic prizes like season tickets to local pro sports teams or a trip to the Bahamas! About 20% of students participate in Greek life. However, there are no fraternity or sorority houses on campus. My tour guide explained that Bentley Greek life is low-key and focuses on making friends, fundraising for important causes, and putting on fun events for the campus. It’s no Bama Rush!

Seventy-eight percent of the student body lives on campus in traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style buildings. The main dining hall is a bustling center of student life with the usual offerings. The dining plan includes a few other options around campus like Dunkin’, Starbucks, Currito Burrito, Einstein Bros. Bagels, a pub, and a smoothie and acai bowl stand. If students without a car want to leave campus to dine or spend some time in Cambridge or Boston, they can hop on the shuttle to Harvard Square. The shuttle runs every half-hour until 1 a.m., so students have the opportunity to head into the city about 25 minutes away. 

Bentley is the perfect option for students interested in business management, marketing, financial services, actuarial science, and data analytics. While nearby Babson may be the gold star for entrepreneurship, Bentley also has many strong offerings for future entrepreneurs. Bentley gives off the impression of a balanced learning community. The students are practical, hands-on, and focused on their future careers, but at the same time, carve out time to relax, have fun, and make connections with their peers. 

Admissions

58% acceptance rate

Average high school GPA: 3.71

*Truly test-optional: Your SAT/ACT scores will only help your application. If your scores do not add to your application, they will not be factored into your admissions decision.

Cost of Attendance: $54,910 tuition plus room,board,fees, and personal expenses totals $78,000

Students

Undergrads: 4,111

Faculty: Student ratio: 12:1 

Average class size is about 25-30 students (no large lecture halls)

Outcomes

4-year graduation rate: 84%

6-year graduation rate: 90%

Job placement rate within 6 months of graduation: 99%

*Bentley notes that over 50% of students have secured employment before the second semester of senior year