Bentley University

Bentley University

(Bentley)

Waltham, MAPrivateBusinessNCAA D2Admissions

Bentley University is a private business-focused university in Waltham, Massachusetts, known for integrating business education with technology and the liberal arts. Its top-ranked accounting program, strong career services, and high job placement rates make it one of the most career-oriented universities in New England.

Mascot: Falcon

Notable Alumni

Jay Leno (Tonight Show host)Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (CEO of Celebrity Cruises)Marcelo Claure (tech entrepreneur)

At a Glance

Acceptance Rate
45%
SAT (Optional)
1290–1403
Avg GPA
3.75
Enrollment
4.2K
Setting
Suburban
Founded
1917

Cost

Tuition$64K
Room & Board$22K
Est. Annual Total$86K

Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.

Top Programs & National Ranking

Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.

Highlights

Business + tech integration
Top accounting program
Strong career outcomes

Athletics

Division
NCAA Division 2
Conference
Northeast-10 Conference
View on NCAA.com

Campus Experience

Social Life
Quiet
Academic Pressure
Moderate
Greek Life
Small Presence
Campus Beauty
Attractive

Bentley is a business school that feels like a business school — conversations revolve around internships, resume building, and career fairs more than weekend plans. About 20% of students go Greek, but it doesn't drive social life. The Waltham campus is pleasant but quiet; Boston is a short ride away when you need more.

A compact hilltop campus in Waltham with manicured grounds and a blend of mid-century and newer buildings. Clean and professional-looking with nice views of the Boston skyline from elevated points.

Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.

Safety

Campus SafetySafe

Low crime rates on a compact, well-patrolled suburban campus with residence hall safety programs and personal escort services. Most reported incidents involve minor property crimes.

Neighborhood SafetyVery Safe

Waltham is an affluent, low-crime suburb west of Boston with quiet residential neighborhoods surrounding the campus.

Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.

Plan Your Visit

Guided Tour

Schedule: Monday-Friday year-round; select Saturdays during academic year

Duration: ~2 hours (20-30 min info session + 90 min campus tour)

Tours include classrooms, dorms, athletic facilities, and student center. Academic year hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm; summer hours M-Th 8am-5:30pm. Group visit options also available.

Book a Tour
Self-Guided Tour

Visitors can explore the hilltop campus grounds at their own pace. Bentley also offers a virtual campus tour online for remote exploration.

Tour Resources
Insider Tips
The campus is built on a beautiful hill in Waltham — academics sit at the top, student life in the middle, and athletics at the bottom. The views from the upper campus are surprisingly scenic for a business school.
Head to Moody Street in downtown Waltham after your tour — it's Bentley's unofficial Main Street with diverse restaurants, including La Campania (award-winning Neapolitan, frequently named 'Best of Boston') and Margaritas (the go-to student spot with outdoor patio seating on the river).
Check out the Trading Room in the library — Bentley has a Bloomberg Terminal lab and simulated trading floor that rivals what you'd find at a Wall Street firm. It's a signature facility that sets Bentley apart.
The Charles River Bike Path is accessible near campus — a scenic 27-mile trail stretching into Boston that Bentley students use for running and biking.
Bentley runs a free shuttle to Harvard Square, connecting to Boston's T system — students use this for nightlife and city access since the Waltham campus is suburban and quiet after hours.
Best Time to Visit

October through November or March through April when classes are in session and campus is active. Choose the later tour timeslot — students will be up and about by mid-morning. Avoid winter break (mid-December through January) and summer for the quietest campus.

Getting There

All visitors must park in Lot 2 (GPS: 175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA 02451). Free shuttle runs to Waverley Square (Belmont) and Harvard Square, connecting to Boston's T system. Campus is 10 miles west of Boston. From I-95/Route 128, take Exit 27A (Totten Pond Road). Logan Airport is ~30 min by car; rideshare $40-55.

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