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Bentley University vs Brandeis University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Waltham MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Waltham MA

The verdict

Bentley University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $151,720 in 2.1 years versus 5 years at Brandeis University, on median earnings of $120,959 vs $77,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBentley UniversityBrandeis University
Net price / yr$37,930$35,736
Total net cost$151,720$142,944
Median earnings, 10 yrs$120,959$77,231
Median debt$25,023$25,648
Payback2.1 yrs5 yrs
20-year net return$1,300,260$434,476

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Bentley University or Brandeis University?

Brandeis University, at $35,736 a year after aid versus $37,930 — a gap of $2,194 a year, or $8,776 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Bentley University or Brandeis University graduates earn more?

Bentley University graduates report a median $120,959 ten years after entry, $43,728 more than the $77,231 at Brandeis University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Bentley University or Brandeis University?

Bentley University: its completers carry a median $25,023 in federal loans versus $25,648 at Brandeis University, a difference of $625. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

87% of students finish at Bentley University, against 86% at Brandeis University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Bentley University vs Brandeis University: frequently asked questions

Is Bentley University or Brandeis University a better value?
Bentley University. It clears its $151,720 net cost in about 2.1 years versus 5 years at Brandeis University, on median earnings of $120,959 vs $77,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Bentley University or Brandeis University?
Brandeis University: $35,736/yr net price after aid versus $37,930/yr at Bentley University — a difference of $2,194 a year, or about $8,776 over four years.
Do Bentley University or Brandeis University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn a median $120,959 ten years after entry, versus $77,231 at Brandeis University — a $43,728 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.