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Bentley University

Waltham, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

4,288
Total Students
$58K
Tuition (In-State)
$58K
Tuition (Out-State)
$39K
Avg Net Price
48%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
6-year
93%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bentley University

Bentley University: A century of innovation in business education.

Bentley University stands as a testament to a century of evolving business education, founded in 1917 by Harry C. Bentley as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance. From its humble beginnings on Huntington Avenue, Bentley navigated significant historical shifts, including the Great Depression and World War II, during which it made the pivotal decision to permanently admit women, ensuring its continuity and broadening its impact. This adaptability laid the groundwork for its future growth and transformation.

The institution’s journey continued with its incorporation as a non-profit in 1948 and a significant move to its expansive Waltham campus in the 1960s. Under visionary leadership, Bentley expanded its academic offerings dramatically, transitioning from awarding Bachelor of Science degrees to including Bachelor of Arts, graduate degrees, and, by 2005, its first doctoral degrees in business and accountancy. This academic breadth underscores its commitment to comprehensive business education.

Today, Bentley University is recognized for its focused approach to business and related disciplines. Its innovative spirit is further exemplified by establishing an international campus in Bahrain in 2002. With its evolution from a specialized school to a comprehensive university, Bentley continually prepares students for the complexities of the global business landscape, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance by Harry C. Bentley.
  • Became permanently coeducational in 1942, admitting over 1,000 women during World War II.
  • Accredited to confer doctoral degrees in business and accountancy by 2005.
  • Expanded its global presence by opening a campus in Bahrain in partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance in 2002.
  • Evolved from Bentley School to Bentley College (1971) and then to Bentley University (2008), reflecting its expanded academic scope and offerings.
  • Offers a wide range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Timeline

1917
Founded as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance by Harry C. Bentley.
1942
Began permanently admitting women students, a decision pivotal for its continuity.
1948
Incorporated as a non-profit organization.
1961
Accredited to confer four-year Bachelor of Science degrees.
1971
Accredited to confer four-year Bachelor of Arts degrees and changed its name to Bentley College.
1973
Accredited to confer graduate degrees.
2002
Opened an international campus in Bahrain.
2005
Accredited to confer its first doctoral degrees in business and accountancy.
2008
Changed its name to Bentley University.

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