Bentley University vs Elon University

Bentley University and Elon University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Bentley, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is known for its business and technology programs, while Elon, situated in Elon, North Carolina, excels in the liberal arts and sciences. With acceptance rates of 38% and 69%, respectively, both universities attract a diverse student body. Bentley's student population is predominantly female (60%), while Elon's is more evenly balanced (52% female, 48% male). Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and other factors, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bentley University	Elon University
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Elon, North Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.9%	77.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $150	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1240 - 1413	N/A
ACT range	28 - 32	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%
Total number of applicants	9,311	17,834
Total number of admissions given out	5,674	13,859
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,019	1,591
Yield rate	18.0%	11.5%
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	$55,647
Average net price	$41,708	$40,366
Tuition	$54,910	$38,218
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,000 Meal plan: $7,130	Room/dormitory: $6,593 Meal plan: $6,829
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	77.0% Average amount $30,491	67.0% Average amount $13,677
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,402	30.0% Average amount $5,259
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $21,755	7.0% Average amount $25,192

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,996 Men 60.6% Women 39.4%	6,302 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
Graduate students	1,162 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	825 Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	80.6%
International students	16.8%	2.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	3,350	4,192
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	North Carolina New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science Mathematics and Statistics	Business Legal Profession Health Professions Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	83.3%
Dropout rate	4.0%	16.7%
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: $101,556 Year 2: $104,061 Year 3: $105,320 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,803 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $78,720 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,320 Year 2: $60,016 Year 3: $77,567 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,276 Year 2: $54,192 Year 3: $77,220 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,564 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $76,604 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $68,888 Year 2: $69,629 Year 3: $70,208 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,091 Year 2: $50,022 Year 3: $64,255 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,189 Year 3: $59,817 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,293 Year 2: $36,674 Year 3: $58,053 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,055 Year 3: $55,617

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Bentley University and Elon University?

Bentley University excels in business education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on business, management, and related fields. Elon University provides a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on experiential learning, offering programs across various disciplines including business, communications, and the arts and sciences.
How do the campus environments and locations differ between Bentley and Elon?

Bentley University is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, a suburban setting near Boston, providing access to a major metropolitan area and its professional opportunities. Elon University is situated in Elon, North Carolina, a smaller, more traditional college town, offering a close-knit community feel.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

Bentley University generally has smaller class sizes, fostering a more personalized learning environment. The student-to-faculty ratio is around 12:1. Elon University also emphasizes small class sizes and has a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 12:1, ensuring students receive individual attention from professors.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Bentley and Elon?

Bentley University's location near Boston provides extensive internship and job opportunities in various industries, particularly finance, technology, and consulting. Their career services are highly regarded and tailored to business-related fields. Elon University also boasts strong career services and emphasizes experiential learning through internships, co-ops, and research opportunities across diverse fields.
What is the general atmosphere and campus culture like at Bentley and Elon?

Bentley University has a career-focused and professional atmosphere, attracting students driven to succeed in the business world. Elon University fosters a more collaborative and engaged campus culture, emphasizing student involvement, leadership development, and community service.
How do the costs of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board) generally compare between Bentley and Elon?

Bentley University typically has a higher cost of attendance compared to Elon University. This difference reflects factors such as location, program offerings, and institutional resources. It's important to check the most recent figures on each university's website for accurate and up-to-date information.
What types of students are typically drawn to Bentley University versus Elon University?

Bentley University attracts students who are highly motivated and focused on pursuing careers in business and related fields. Elon University appeals to students seeking a well-rounded liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and personal development.
What are some of the notable academic programs offered at Bentley and Elon?

Bentley University is known for its strong programs in finance, accounting, marketing, and information technology. Elon University is recognized for its programs in communications, business, performing arts, and political science.
How do the athletic programs and school spirit compare at Bentley and Elon?

Bentley University competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a strong emphasis on hockey and basketball. Elon University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a broader range of sports and a more prominent athletic presence. Both schools have active student bodies and foster school spirit, though the focus and intensity may differ.
What are the key similarities between Bentley University and Elon University?

Both Bentley University and Elon University offer a strong focus on student engagement, small class sizes, and a commitment to preparing students for successful careers. They both emphasize experiential learning opportunities and provide robust career services to support their graduates.

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