Bentley University vs URI-Kingston

Bentley University and the University of Rhode Island, while both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Bentley, a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 38%, while URI, a public research university in Kingston, Rhode Island, is more accessible with an acceptance rate of 72%. Bentley's student body is smaller and more diverse, with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 4,000 students, while URI's student body is larger and more predominantly white, with over 12,000 undergraduate students. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with Bentley specializing in business and finance, and URI offering a broader selection of majors across various disciplines. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities. Dive into the details to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bentley University	University of Rhode Island
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Kingston, Rhode Island
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.9%	76.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $150	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1240 - 1413	1090 - 1290
ACT range	28 - 32	25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%	30.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	3.0%
Total number of applicants	9,311	25,105
Total number of admissions given out	5,674	19,196
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,019	3,340
Yield rate	18.0%	17.4%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$75,615	In state: $31,614 Out of state: $49,636
Average net price	$41,708	$20,496
Tuition	$54,910	In state: $13,250 Out of state: $31,272
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,000 Meal plan: $7,130	Room/dormitory: $8,340 Meal plan: $5,500
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 $12,949
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,402	61.0% Average amount $5,252
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $21,755	18.0% Average amount $18,913

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,996 Men 60.6% Women 39.4%	14,744 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	1,162 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	2,767 Men 37.5% Women 62.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	60.3%
International students	16.8%	2.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,350	5,523
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	Rhode Island Mississippi Connecticut New York New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science Mathematics and Statistics	Health Professions Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	70.0%
Dropout rate	4.0%	28.7%
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	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,221 Year 2: $113,894 Year 3: $119,883 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,532 Year 2: $109,286 Year 3: $115,106 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,037 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $86,487 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,976 Year 2: $71,473 Year 3: $86,408 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,309 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $79,045 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,134 Year 2: $72,693 Year 3: $78,528 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,485 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $77,404 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,720 Year 3: $75,985 Ocean Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,071 Year 2: $63,600 Year 3: $73,268 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,907 Year 2: $63,880 Year 3: $72,515

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Bentley University and the University of Rhode Island?

Bentley University is renowned for its strong business programs, particularly in accounting, finance, and information technology. It offers a focused, career-oriented education. The University of Rhode Island (URI), on the other hand, is a comprehensive research university with a broader range of programs, including strong offerings in marine science, engineering, pharmacy, and arts and sciences. URI provides a more diverse academic experience.
How do the campus environments differ between Bentley and URI?

Bentley University has a more compact, suburban campus located in Waltham, Massachusetts, close to Boston. It fosters a close-knit community feel. The University of Rhode Island boasts a larger, more traditional campus in Kingston, Rhode Island, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. URI's campus offers a more expansive environment with access to beaches and outdoor recreational activities.
What are the typical student profiles at Bentley and URI?

Bentley attracts students who are highly motivated and career-focused, often with a strong interest in business and related fields. Many Bentley students are looking for direct pathways to professional careers. URI draws a more diverse student body, including those interested in a wide array of academic disciplines, research opportunities, and a traditional college experience. URI students often value a balance of academics, social life, and outdoor activities.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of Bentley and URI?

Bentley graduates typically have excellent career prospects, particularly in business and finance, with strong connections to companies in the Boston area and beyond. The university's focus on career services and internships provides a significant advantage. URI graduates have diverse career opportunities depending on their chosen field. URI's career services support students in various industries, with strong programs in engineering, pharmacy, and marine science leading to specific career paths.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Bentley and URI?

Generally, Bentley University has a higher overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and room and board, compared to the University of Rhode Island. However, financial aid and scholarships are available at both institutions to help offset these costs. It's important to compare the net cost after financial aid when making your decision.
What is the research focus at each university?

The University of Rhode Island is a research-intensive university with significant research activity in areas like marine science, oceanography, engineering, and pharmacy. Bentley University, while not a primary research institution, offers research opportunities for undergraduates, particularly in business-related fields, often focused on practical applications and industry trends.
How do the student-to-faculty ratios compare?

Bentley University typically has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, which can lead to more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. The University of Rhode Island has a higher student-to-faculty ratio, reflecting its larger size and broader range of programs. However, URI still offers opportunities for students to connect with faculty through research and other activities.
What are the social and extracurricular opportunities like at each university?

Bentley University offers a vibrant social scene with a focus on business-related clubs and organizations, as well as a range of other student activities. The University of Rhode Island provides a broader range of extracurricular activities, including a diverse selection of clubs, Greek life, Division I athletics, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, reflecting its larger and more diverse student body.
Which university is better for students interested in studying abroad?

Both Bentley University and the University of Rhode Island offer study abroad programs. Bentley, with its strong international business focus, often has well-established programs in business-related fields. URI offers a wider variety of programs across different disciplines and locations, providing more diverse options for students interested in studying abroad.
How does the location impact the student experience at each university?

Bentley's location near Boston provides students with access to internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences. The proximity to a major city is a significant advantage. URI's location in Kingston, Rhode Island, offers a more relaxed environment with access to beaches, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. The location is ideal for students who enjoy a balance of academics and outdoor recreation.

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