Bentley University vs Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is selective with a 43.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Bentley University (48.4%). Graduates of Bentley University earn $11,776 more per year at the 10-year mark ($120,959 vs $109,183). For families earning $48k–$75k, Bentley University is more affordable at $26,164 net price vs $26,531. Students at Santa Clara University graduate with less debt ($19,162 vs $25,023).
Admissions & Outcomes
Bentley University has a higher yield rate (22.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Santa Clara University has a higher median SAT (1420 vs 1330).
Waltham, MA
Santa Clara, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Bentley University is more affordable at $21,196 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,190 vs $60,678.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Bentley University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Bentley University
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$79,653
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General$74,200
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$64,253
- 4 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other$64,174
- 5 Mathematics$63,997
Santa Clara University
- 1 Computer Engineering$103,449
- 2 Management Information Systems and Services$80,391
- 3 Civil Engineering$79,473
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$74,576
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services$70,456
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Bentley University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Marketing
- 4 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
Santa Clara University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Communication and Media Studies
- 3 Mathematics and Computer Science
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Marketing
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Bentley University
- International students16%
- Tuition (international)$53,790
- Est. total cost/year$71,410
- School typePublic
Santa Clara University
- International students16%
- Tuition (international)$52,998
- Est. total cost/year$69,624
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 16% international enrollment, Santa Clara University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bentley University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is more selective with a 43.8% acceptance rate, compared to 48.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bentley University or Santa Clara University?
Bentley University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $120,959 compared to $109,183. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bentley University or Santa Clara University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Bentley University has a lower net price at $26,164 per year vs $26,531. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Bentley University vs Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.2%, compared to 87.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Bentley University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has a larger international student population at 16% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Bentley University and Santa Clara University?
At Bentley University, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates earn a median of $79,653 within two years. At Santa Clara University, the top-earning major is Computer Engineering at $103,449. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.