Harvard University vs Bentley University: which has better ROI?
Harvard University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,264 in 1.4 years versus 2.1 years at Bentley University, on median earnings of $101,817 vs $120,959 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harvard University | Bentley University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,066 | $37,930 |
| Total net cost | $76,264 | $151,720 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $101,817 | $120,959 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $25,023 |
| Payback | 1.4 yrs | 2.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $992,876 | $1,300,260 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Bentley University?
Harvard University, at $19,066 a year after aid versus $37,930 — a gap of $18,864 a year, or $75,456 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Harvard University or Bentley University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates report a median $120,959 ten years after entry, $19,142 more than the $101,817 at Harvard 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, Harvard University or Bentley University?
Harvard University: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $25,023 at Bentley University, a difference of $11,023. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
98% of students finish at Harvard University, 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.