Fordham vs Bentley University

Fordham University and Bentley University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Fordham, a Jesuit university in New York City, boasts a lower acceptance rate (45%) compared to Bentley's (67%) in Waltham, Massachusetts. While both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, Fordham excels in liberal arts and sciences, while Bentley specializes in business and accounting. Fordham's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students, while Bentley's student body is predominantly white. Additionally, Fordham's graduation rate (86%) is slightly higher than Bentley's (83%). Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bentley University	Fordham University
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Bronx, New York
Campus setting	City: Small	City: 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%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.9%	58.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $150	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	1240 - 1413	1300 - 1480
ACT range	28 - 32	30 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	9,311	46,275
Total number of admissions given out	5,674	26,980
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,019	2,879
Yield rate	18.0%	10.7%
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	$72,559
Average net price	$41,708	$37,583
Tuition	$54,910	$54,730
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,000 Meal plan: $7,130	$21,035
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	77.0% Average amount $30,491	94.0% Average amount $34,114
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,402	52.0% Average amount $5,280
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $21,755	6.0% Average amount $26,677

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,996 Men 60.6% Women 39.4%	9,904 Men 40.8% Women 59.2%
Graduate students	1,162 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	7,082 Men 34.3% Women 65.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	60.9%
International students	16.8%	10.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,350	4,749
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 California Mississippi Connecticut

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science Mathematics and Statistics	Business Public Administration and Social Service Legal Profession Computer and Information Science Education
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	83.2%
Dropout rate	4.0%	6.7%
Transferred out	7.9%	9.9%
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	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,081 Year 2: $100,690 Year 3: $124,166 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,577 Year 2: $113,850 Year 3: $121,893 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,586 Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $98,267 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,240 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $96,920 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $95,156 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,465 Year 2: $73,195 Year 3: $87,850 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,578 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $87,004 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,968 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $82,005 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,702 Year 2: $79,081 Year 3: $81,526 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,805 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $73,993

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Fordham University and Bentley University?

Fordham University is a Jesuit university offering a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, alongside its business programs. Bentley University, on the other hand, is primarily focused on business education, offering specialized programs in areas like accounting, finance, marketing, and information technology. Fordham has a more diverse range of academic disciplines, while Bentley is highly specialized.
Which school is located in a more urban environment?

Fordham University has two main campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx, New York City, and Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Both offer a distinctly urban experience. Bentley University is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, a suburban setting just outside of Boston, providing a more campus-focused environment.
How do the academic reputations of Fordham and Bentley compare?

Both Fordham and Bentley are well-regarded institutions. Fordham is known for its strong liberal arts programs and its Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes critical thinking and social justice. Bentley is highly respected for its business programs, particularly in accounting and finance, and is known for its career-focused approach to education.
Which school is generally considered more selective in admissions?

Both universities are selective, but Fordham University generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Bentley University. This can vary from year to year, so it's best to check the most recent admissions statistics for both schools when applying.
What types of students typically thrive at Fordham versus Bentley?

Fordham attracts students who are interested in a broad-based education with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Students who enjoy exploring different academic disciplines and engaging in social justice issues often thrive at Fordham. Bentley attracts students who are passionate about business and are looking for a career-focused education with opportunities for internships and networking in the business world.
How do the career services at Fordham and Bentley compare?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services. Bentley is particularly known for its strong career placement rates in the business sector, with a focus on internships and experiential learning. Fordham also provides excellent career support, leveraging its location in New York City to connect students with opportunities in various industries, including finance, media, and non-profits.
What is the campus culture like at Fordham versus Bentley?

Fordham's campus culture is influenced by its Jesuit tradition, emphasizing community service and intellectual engagement. With campuses in New York City, students have access to a vibrant cultural scene. Bentley's campus culture is more focused on business and career development, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and leadership. The suburban campus fosters a close-knit community.
What are the average class sizes at Fordham and Bentley?

Both universities strive to maintain relatively small class sizes to foster a more personalized learning environment. Generally, you can expect average class sizes at both Fordham and Bentley to be in the range of 20-30 students, although introductory courses may be larger.
How do the costs of attending Fordham and Bentley compare?

The cost of attendance at both Fordham and Bentley is relatively similar, including tuition, fees, room, and board. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website. Both institutions also offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education.
What are some popular majors at Fordham and Bentley?

At Fordham, popular majors include Business Administration, Finance, Communications, Political Science, and English. At Bentley, popular majors include Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Information Technology.
Does Fordham or Bentley have a stronger alumni network?

Both Fordham and Bentley have strong and active alumni networks. Fordham's alumni network is extensive and diverse, spanning various industries and professions, particularly in the New York City area. Bentley's alumni network is highly concentrated in the business world, providing valuable connections for students seeking internships and job opportunities in that sector.
What are the opportunities for studying abroad at Fordham and Bentley?

Both Fordham and Bentley offer a variety of study abroad programs. Fordham has a global network of partner universities, allowing students to study in various countries around the world. Bentley also offers numerous study abroad options, often with a business focus, allowing students to gain international experience relevant to their career goals.

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