Academic Comparison between Salem State and Bentley

Salem State University and Bentley University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Bentley is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Waltham, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Salem State is a public and Bentley is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Bentley has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,000) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Bentley than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Bentley has 5,333 students.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Bentley has 285 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Bentley University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationWaltham, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,000
72%% Receiving Financial Aid81%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,694
95.88 %Acceptance Rates45.05 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.29 %
-SAT Score1,350
-ACT Score30
50 %Graduation Rate87 %
-Transfer-out Rate10 %
75 %Retention Rate93 %
6,230Student Population5,333
296Number of Faculties285
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services