Private not-for-profit

Medium

Bentley University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1290 to 1403

ACT Range28 to 31

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate45.1%

Test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant at Bentley: the students who submit SAT results tend to be in a strong 1290 to 1403 range. Aim near 1400 if you want your score to actively strengthen your application, or lean on other strengths if your score sits below the middle range.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Bentley University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Bentley University enrolls 4,526 undergraduate students in a suburban campus setting. Bentley has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 87% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.

Location

Waltham, MA

Undergrad Enrollment4,526

Freshman Retention93%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio12:1

Graduation Rate87%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Bentley?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Bentley University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

December 1

Early Decision

November 15

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

November 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Bentley, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, an October retake is typically the last fall sitting likely to arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Bentley is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate of $61,480 applies to all students. About 48% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $21,176. Submit the FAFSA by the November 15 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$61,480

Room and Board$20,140

Average Merit Award$21,176

Application Fee$75

Students on Aid48%

Average Aid Package$47,713

Average Debt at Grad$40,742

Bentley University’s total cost of attendance is about $81,620, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 48% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $47,713. Merit awards average $21,176, which can meaningfully reduce the listed price for some students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $40,742.