Research.com
Bentley University logo

Bentley University

175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA 02452, USA

Bentley University award
Bentley University award
US ranking
position: 744
Tuition & fees per year: $63,890
Acceptance rate: 48.00%
Median alumni salary: $71,978
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1327 SAT, 30 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What does Bentley University offer in terms of athletics?

Bentley University supports a diverse athletics program that includes a broad range of varsity sports, intramural activities, and club teams, catering to student-athletes of varying interests and skill levels. The university competes primarily at the NCAA Division II level, fielding around 23 varsity teams for both men and women. These teams participate in the Northeast-10 Conference, which features competitive play against other regional institutions.

The athletics program at Bentley emphasizes a balance between academic achievement and athletic commitment, encouraging students to excel in both areas. Facilities available to athletes include a modern fitness center, multiple indoor and outdoor practice fields, and a stadium designed to host different sports events. Additionally, the school provides comprehensive support services such as strength and conditioning coaching, sports medicine, and academic advising tailored for athletes.

Beyond varsity sports, Bentley offers a range of intramural and club sports options that promote recreational competition and community engagement among the broader student body. These options allow students who may not compete at the varsity level to remain active and involved in campus life through sports.

What student groups and Associations are available at Bentley University?

Bentley University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to a range of interests, including professional development, entrepreneurship, outdoor activities, and campus engagement. Among the notable groups are the Bentley Real Estate Group, which focuses on real estate industry insights, and the Bentley Entrepreneurship Society, designed for students interested in starting and managing businesses. The Campus Activities Board plays a key role in organizing events that enhance student life on campus, while the Bentley Consulting Association provides opportunities for those looking to gain experience in consulting. Additionally, the BEAR Outdoors Club offers outdoor recreational activities for students seeking adventure and connection with nature.

Who studies at Bentley University?

Bentley University hosts a diverse student body characterized by a broad range of backgrounds and demographics. The undergraduate population skews younger, with the majority of students aged 18 to 21, while graduate students tend to be older, especially in the 22 to 49 age range. Transfer students are fewer in number, making up a smaller portion of the overall enrollment.

In terms of geographic diversity, the university has a relatively low percentage of in-state students, placing it in the bottom 15% nationally, while the proportion of out-of-state students is notably high, ranking in the top 25%. Additionally, the presence of domestic students considered "U. S. students" is average compared to other institutions, while the representation from foreign countries is exceptionally high, situated in the top 5% nationwide.

Ethnic and racial diversity at Bentley University reflects a predominantly white student population, which is about average relative to other universities. Hispanic and African American students make up a moderate share, both levels considered average though slightly below the midpoint nationally. Asian students constitute a notable segment, again at an average level in comparison to peer institutions. Smaller groups include Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races or with unknown racial backgrounds; all these groups are present in average proportions ranging around the mid to lower quartiles.

The institution's overall freshman enrollment is typical for similar colleges, falling roughly in the middle of the range nationally, while transfer student numbers are somewhat lower than average.

How does student life look like at Bentley University?

Bentley University offers a moderately sized campus environment with a student population totaling approximately 5,333, characterized by a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. Its diverse community represents over 90 countries, placing it among universities with a very high level of international student representation.

Students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities centered around the arts and media. The campus supports a newspaper, drama productions, radio broadcasts, and a chorus, although it does not have a campus band or television station. These opportunities provide outlets for creative expression and community engagement.

Health and wellness services are available, including a health clinic and psychological counseling, ensuring that student wellbeing is addressed. Additionally, a women's center is present, offering support and resources tailored to female students. Some services, such as legal assistance and veterans affairs support, are not offered on campus.

Overall, the student life experience at Bentley University emphasizes cultural diversity, creative involvement, and access to essential health services within a medium-sized campus community.

What libraries are available to students at Bentley University?

Bentley University offers students access to the Bentley Library, its sole library facility. While the number of additional libraries is limited, the university maintains an average range of library resources compared to similar institutions.

The Bentley Library holds approximately 148,133 physical books, placing it in the lower 45 percentile nationally. Its collection of digital materials is more extensive, featuring around 564,592 ebooks and 128,425 digital subscriptions, reflecting a moderate digital resource availability near the median of peer schools.

Students can also access about 2,096 subscriptions to periodicals and databases, with roughly 220 databases available to support academic research. These figures indicate a decent level of digital and print research support, though Bentley falls in the lower half of such comparisons.

The library provides essential physical facilities along with digital access, including study rooms for collaborative or individual work. Service hours total about 99 weekly, though the library does not offer all-day access. Staff members are trained to assist students, and access to shared collections enhances resource availability beyond the university's own holdings.

Bentley University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

5333

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1054

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

295 full time, 217 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Bentley University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Bentley Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Bentley University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Bentley University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Bentley University Location & Map