Bentley vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bentley University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Bentley vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Dickinson College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Dickinson College than Bentley ($38,483 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 15.1% lower than at Bentley University ($17,100 vs. $20,140).
• Dickinson College is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $4,650 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Dickinson College than at Bentley University (about $4,650 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Bentley University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 32.1% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($44,479 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bentley or Dickinson College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Dickinson College and Bentley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 30 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Bentley vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Dickinson College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bentley University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $25,200 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($217 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dickinson College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 89%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.