Bentley University

Sep 2

Written By Jacqueline Leppla

Virtual Visit

Date: February 4, 2026
Location: Walthan, MA

Live Virtual Information Session: February 5, 2026

Undergraduates: Approximately 4,300

Type: Private

1. First Impressions & Vibe

While Bentley is best known for its business programs, a strong liberal arts core provides a balanced academic experience.

The campus is organized into three areas: academics, student life, and athletics. The overall impression is efficient and intentional.

Students are described as driven and goal-oriented, but not cutthroat. Group work is common, and coursework supports securing internships, career planning, and professional skills.

2. Student Perspective

Students describe Bentley as career-focused. Conversations about internships, résumés, and post-graduate plans start early and continue throughout all four years.

The admissions team shared that nearly 90% of students complete at least one internship, supported by dedicated career counselors who work with students one-on-one.

Group work is common, and classes are structured to encourage participation, discussion, and applied problem-solving.

Faculty often bring real industry experience into the classroom, helping connect theory to practice even in general education courses.

The student body includes a mix of political viewpoints, with a notable conservative presence, and students generally describe the culture as motivated and professionally minded.

3. Uniquely Interesting

Every Bentley student completes both a general business core and an arts and sciences core, underscoring that business education should be grounded in broader thinking.

All students automatically earn a minor in business administration, regardless of major.

First-year students begin with a career design seminar that introduces professional exploration, internships, and long-term planning.

Bentley offers a wide range of business-focused majors, including finance, accounting, data analytics, computer information systems, professional sales, and fintech, as well as liberal arts majors such as English, international affairs, sustainability science, and health sciences.

Bentley offers a psychology major that integrates psychology coursework with business and science.

The Honors Program invites the top 10% of each entering class into small, discussion-based seminars that tackle complex topics such as ethics, global systems, and financial crises.

Through an advanced standing option, some students can begin working toward a master’s degree while still completing their undergraduate studies.

4. Spaces You’d Love

The academic core of campus features technology-rich labs and academic spaces, as well as a centrally located library.

Student life centers on a large, modern student center with dining, recreation, and gathering spaces.

Notable facilities include a trading room with more than 24 Bloomberg terminals and a Media and Culture Lab equipped for advanced video editing, sound production, and film work. The school hosts an annual film festival.

Athletics and recreation are concentrated on the south side of campus, including the Dana Athletic Center and Bentley Arena, while residence halls are spread across all three campus areas.

5. Who Might Thrive Here?

Bentley tends to suit career-driven students who enjoy structure, clarity, and practical learning.

It works well for students interested in business-related fields who also value strong training in communication, analysis, and ethics through the liberal arts.

Students who enjoy collaborative projects, applied coursework, and early exposure to professional environments may find Bentley to be a strong match.

Additional Information

Bentley is located about 5 miles from Harvard Square and roughly 9 miles from downtown Boston, so it can be easy for students to access internships and big-city events while living on a quiet campus.
About 13% of Bentley students are from international locations.
Undergraduate classes are capped at 35 students.
Bentley’s Career Services office is consistently ranked among the top in the nation.
The university offers Division I and Division II athletics across 20 varsity teams.
Greek life is present but limited, with fraternities located off campus.
The Bentley First program allows eligible first-generation Massachusetts students to attend at a reduced tuition rate.
Waltham plays a limited role in student life; many students use shuttles or public transit to access Boston and Cambridge.
Bentley is currently test-optional and admits less than half of its applicants, with a higher acceptance rate for early decision.