Bentley University
Waltham, Massachusetts · Private
Bentley University admitted 47% of 11,403 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1230–1370 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 88% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Bentley University
Enter a score to see whether Bentley University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (47%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Bentley University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $75, and Bentley University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Bentley University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Bentley University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 64% (460 of 719), compared with 47% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
1,568 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 400 took it, and 101 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Bentley University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
Important
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Volunteering
- Showing interest
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Religion
What it costs
Full price with housing is $79,960 a year. After grants, students paid $43,858 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Bentley University’s acceptance rate?
Bentley University admitted 47% of applicants: 5,393 of 11,403 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Bentley University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Bentley University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1230 to 1370, with a median around 1310. A score at or above 1310 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Bentley University’s application fee?
The application fee is $75 for 2026–27, and Bentley University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Bentley University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Bentley University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Bentley University have supplemental essays?
No. Bentley University has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Bentley University require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Bentley University uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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