Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Bentley University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,444 in 0.8 years versus 2.1 years at Bentley University, on median earnings of $143,372 vs $120,959 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyBentley University
Net price / yr$20,111$37,930
Total net cost$80,444$151,720
Median earnings, 10 yrs$143,372$120,959
Median debt$14,768$25,023
Payback0.8 yrs2.1 yrs
20-year net return$1,819,796$1,300,260

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

Which is cheaper, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Bentley University?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at $20,111 a year after aid versus $37,930 — a gap of $17,819 a year, or $71,276 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Bentley University graduates earn more?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report a median $143,372 ten years after entry, $22,413 more than the $120,959 at Bentley 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, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Bentley University?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $14,768 in federal loans versus $25,023 at Bentley University, a difference of $10,255. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

96% of students finish at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 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.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Bentley University: frequently asked questions

Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Bentley University a better value?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It clears its $80,444 net cost in about 0.8 years versus 2.1 years at Bentley University, on median earnings of $143,372 vs $120,959 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Bentley University?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: $20,111/yr net price after aid versus $37,930/yr at Bentley University — a difference of $17,819 a year, or about $71,276 over four years.
Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Bentley University graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $143,372 ten years after entry, versus $120,959 at Bentley University — a $22,413 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.