Bentley University vs Williams College: which has better ROI?
Williams College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,864 in 1.8 years versus 2.1 years at Bentley University, on median earnings of $88,665 vs $120,959 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bentley University | Williams College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,930 | $17,716 |
| Total net cost | $151,720 | $70,864 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $120,959 | $88,665 |
| Median debt | $25,023 | $12,761 |
| Payback | 2.1 yrs | 1.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $1,300,260 | $735,236 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bentley University or Williams College?
Williams College, at $17,716 a year after aid versus $37,930 — a gap of $20,214 a year, or $80,856 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 Williams College graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates report a median $120,959 ten years after entry, $32,294 more than the $88,665 at Williams College. 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 Williams College?
Williams College: its completers carry a median $12,761 in federal loans versus $25,023 at Bentley University, a difference of $12,262. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
94% of students finish at Williams College, against 87% at Bentley 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.