
175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA 02452, USA


Bentley University holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which ensures that its academic programs meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. This regional accreditation affirms the university's commitment to providing a credible and comprehensive education.
The university's business programs have received specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This distinction is recognized worldwide and indicates that Bentley University upholds high standards in business education, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes.
For prospective students, these accreditations mean that Bentley University's degrees are respected by employers and other institutions, supporting both career advancement and opportunities for further study. The accreditation status also assures that the institution engages in continuous improvement and accountability in its academic offerings.
Bentley University requires applicants to have completed either a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Submission of a secondary school record and completion of a college preparatory program are mandatory components of the application. Letters of recommendation are also required, while submission of certain competencies and additional standardized test scores is recommended but not compulsory. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting TOEFL scores.
The university does not offer open admission or accept dual credit, but it does award college credits, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits. While applicants are expected to use their own computer for studies, leasing a computer through the institution is not necessary.
Admissions statistics indicate that Bentley University maintains a selective acceptance rate of approximately 48%, placing it in the lower 15th percentile among comparable institutions. The student body reflects a high academic standard, with mean SAT scores around 1327, situating incoming students in the top 15% nationally. The university's average ACT score is 30, placing enrolled students within the top 10% nationwide.
Bentley University requires an application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. Prospective students should be prepared to pay this fee when submitting their application materials.
However, Bentley University offers fee waivers for certain applicants to ensure that application costs do not create barriers to applying. Eligible students can request a waiver based on financial need or other qualifying criteria designated by the university. This support aims to make the application process more accessible to a diverse range of candidates.
Bentley University offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through affiliated arrangements. While there is no ROTC branch unit directly on campus, students have the opportunity to participate in ROTC training at cooperating host institutions nearby. This setup allows Bentley students to pursue military leadership training and commissioning opportunities despite the absence of an on-site ROTC unit.
Bentley University welcomes transfer students for the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those seeking to continue their education there. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother transition for students coming from other colleges or universities. Admission to Bentley University as a transfer student is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a selective process that applicants should be prepared for.
Bentley University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the global perspective of its students. These programs range from semester-long exchanges and faculty-led short-term trips to summer internships abroad, providing flexibility to fit diverse academic schedules and interests.
Students can participate in semester or year-long exchange programs with partner universities across Europe, Asia, and other regions, allowing for immersion in different cultures while earning academic credit. Additionally, faculty-led programs provide focused, short-term experiences that often combine coursework with site visits tailored to specific fields of study.
Internship programs abroad are also a key component of the study abroad offerings, enabling students to gain practical work experience in an international setting, which complements their academic learning and enhances career readiness.
Bentley University supports these experiences through preparation workshops and academic advising to help students align their international studies with their degree requirements and professional goals.
Median composite SAT score
1327Median composite ACT score
30Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
19%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring