Bentley vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Bentley University in Waltham, MA with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Seattle University is larger than Bentley based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 5,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bentley University 12:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Bentley vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley or Seattle U? 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 Seattle University than Bentley ($36,948 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 22% lower than at Bentley University ($15,702 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $4,279 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Bentley than at Seattle University (about $4,279 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Bentley University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 5% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($35,351 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bentley or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U and Bentley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 40 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Bentley students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Bentley vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley and Seattle U? 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 Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $26,800 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($253 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 75%)

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.