Skip to main content

Undergraduate Admission

Thumbnail

An investment with a lifetime of returns

Figure out the financial side of your college decision

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Your college education is a big investment. That’s why we do everything possible to make it as affordable as possible for you and your family, and to provide the kind of return on investment you expect — and deserve.

The value of your education is one of our top priorities. We will work closely with you to identify every appropriate financial aid solution. In most cases, our financial aid program makes the cost of attending Bentley competitive with most private and public institutions — even with the in-state costs. More than 73 percent of Bentley students receive some kind of financial aid. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for grants and scholarships, work opportunities, low-interest student loans or one of several alternative financing programs. Our personalized approach to financial aid has resulted in Bentley graduates defaulting at a rate of less than one percent on their student loans, compared to the national average of 11 percent. 

2024-2025 Cost of Attendance

Tuition and Fees$61,000
Housing and Food *$20,140
Books and Supplies (estimate)$1,200
Personal Expense (estimate)$1,500
New Student Enrollment Fee**$250
Student Activity Fee$480
Total for First-Year Domestic
Residents***
$84,570

 

International Student Fee$230
Health Insurance for 2023-24 (TBD for 2024-25)$2,481
Total First-Year International Students$87,281

The billed costs for domestic and international students are the same. Student health insurance is required, and other non billed (noted by “estimate”) costs are reasonable estimates.

* Housing and food costs may vary based on actual accommodations and the board plan selected. Housing and food estimates for students living in an off-campus apartment (not with parents or a relative) may differ slightly from those estimated for on-campus housing.

**New first-year and transfer students are charged a one-time $250 new student fee.

*** All students are also assessed a student health insurance fee of $2,481, which is subject to change annually and will be updated prior to the start of the new academic year. The fee can be waived if you can demonstrate comparable coverage under your family plan. You will receive more information on the waiver process with your fall term bill.

Financial Aid Webinar Series

The Financial Aid Process

This webinar provides valuable information on how to navigate the financial aid application process. Our financial aid experts explain how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile form and offer tips to simplify the process. You’ll also get an introduction to how financial need is determined and the variety of financial aid options available to you. 

View Recording

What to Expect After Applying for Aid

This second webinar builds on topics discussed in the previous webinar with a focus on what to expect after you apply for aid, including learning more about what a typical financial aid package might contain and how academic scholarships and need-based aid work. The presentation concludes with a Q&A session. This information is helpful for prospective students, parents/families, and school counselors.

View Recording

Types of Aid

Bentley offers a variety of sources for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work opportunities. A financial aid package may include federal and state aid, but approximately 75 percent of financial aid awarded comes from Bentley grant and scholarship resources. Your financial aid package can include many different types of aid. Programs you may be eligible for include:

Scholarships

Based on academic merit, scholarship range from $10,000 to full tuition.

Grants

Based on need, grants are available from Bentley, the state and federal government.

Loans

Low-interest loans are offered through the Federal Direct Loan program.

Work opportunities

Federal Work-Study awards help you gain new skills and pay your bills.

Students talking on campus

First Generation Tuition Match Program

The BentleyFirst program for first generation students from Massachusetts matches the difference between tuition at Bentley and UMass Amherst. There is no extra application process – just complete your applications for admission and financial aid by the deadlines. It’s that easy!

See if You Qualify

Financial Aid Resources

Quick College Cost Estimator

Based on answers to just six basic questions, this MyIntuition calculator creates a rough estimate of the cost of college for each individual student, including out-of-pocket expenses, available loans and work-study opportunities, and grant assistance.

Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator (NPC) is a useful tool that can help determine whether you are likely to qualify for need-based financial aid as an undergraduate student. You will answer questions about family income, taxes and assets and the calculator will provide estimates for "net price" and out-of-pocket expenses. However, actual grant and scholarship amounts may vary based on a review of your application by the Bentley Office of Financial Assistance. We encourage you to email your NPC results to you for future reference.

 

Bentley University students celebrate at graduation

Important Dates

Keeping track of the deadlines for filing financial documents including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the CSS Profile can be a challenge. Download our helpful Financial Aid Deadline Tracker to keep you organized.

""

Helpful Financial Aid Links

All the financial aid need information you need in one location. We've compiled a list of helpful financial aid links to assist you with everything from locating important forms to valuable scholarship information. 

Applying for Aid

You are eligible to apply for need-based aid if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In order to apply for financial aid, you must submit the required financial aid forms by the application deadline. Financial aid awards are made to admitted students according to the following schedule. 

Key Deadlines

Application Type Financial Aid Forms Due Award Notification Begins
Early Decision I November 15 Early January
Early Decision II January 15 Early February 
Regular Decision and Early Deferred  January 15 Late March
Transfer - Spring Admission November 1 Rolling
Transfer - Fall Admission April 1 Rolling
jennifer calnan
I view my financial aid as Bentley investing in me and my future. I hope to make the world a more equitable and honest place through my future career and to someday return the favor and help to invest in another young college student’s future.
Jennifer Calnan '19
Accounting Major

Financial Aid By the Numbers

$115M

Aid to Undergraduate Students

92%

of Financial Need Met with the Average First-Year Aid Package

>73%

of Students Receive Financial Aid

More Affordable Than You Might Think

The average student loan debt for the 55% of Bentley Class of 2021 graduates who borrowed was $34,902. This includes all student loans – federal, state, and private. For students who borrowed only the federal loans that are awarded through the financial aid package, the average debt was $21,907. The national average for 2020 graduates was $29,927 according to a U.S. News survey. Bentley’s cohort default rate (the percentage of Bentley’s student loan borrowers who entered repayment in 2018) is 0.8%, well below the national average of 7.3%.

student in classroom