Bentley University Rankings & Ratings

Bentley University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is recognized as one of the leading private universities in the United States, offering a distinctive combination of business-focused programs and a solid foundation in liberal arts education. Founded in 1917, Bentley has earned its place as an innovative institution that prepares students for leadership roles in the dynamic world of business, technology, and beyond. Bentley is especially known for its unique approach to integrating business education with a strong liberal arts curriculum, fostering well-rounded individuals equipped to meet the challenges of today’s global economy.

Bentley’s academic model emphasizes the synergy between business knowledge and liberal arts, providing students with the critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The university’s commitment to academic rigor, practical experience, and community involvement has earned it recognition as a premier institution for both undergraduate and graduate studies in business and technology.

Academic Accreditation and Recognition

Bentley University holds several prestigious accreditations that underline its commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC), which ensures that Bentley meets rigorous standards of quality in terms of educational programs and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, Bentley's business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a distinction that places the university in an elite group of business schools worldwide. Only a select number of universities globally are awarded this accreditation, making it a mark of excellence in business education.

In addition to these U.S.-based accreditations, Bentley University has undergone a comprehensive review by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and has earned the EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) accreditation, which further reinforces its standing as a globally recognized institution for business education. The EQUIS accreditation reflects Bentley’s excellence in teaching, research, and internationalization, ensuring that its programs meet the highest standards globally.

National and Regional Rankings

Bentley University is highly regarded in various national rankings, particularly for its outstanding business programs. According to U.S. News & World Report’s “America's Best Graduate Schools 2011”, Bentley’s Master of Science in Information Technology program is ranked #16 nationally and #3 in New England. This recognition underscores Bentley’s strength in the intersection of business and technology, offering students cutting-edge knowledge and skills that are crucial for today’s digital economy.

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of America’s Best Colleges, Bentley was ranked #6 among Best Universities in the Master's (by region-North). This ranking places Bentley as one of the top institutions in the region, offering a high-quality education with a focus on both academic excellence and student outcomes. Additionally, Bentley was ranked #48 in the “Best Business Programs” category, further solidifying its reputation as one of the nation’s top institutions for business education.

Bentley’s dedication to providing a holistic educational experience that extends beyond academics was recognized in the “Programs to Look For” category, where the Service-Learning Program was named one of the best in the nation. This program allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while contributing to the local community, enhancing both personal development and societal impact.

In terms of affordability and value, Bentley ranked #2 in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category for Master’s Universities (North), making it one of the top institutions that offer a high-quality education at an affordable price, particularly for students in the northeastern United States. Bentley’s dedication to providing exceptional education while remaining mindful of cost makes it an attractive option for students seeking a high return on their educational investment.

Prestigious Recognition in Other Areas

Bentley University’s reputation for excellence extends beyond traditional academic rankings. In The Princeton Review’s 2010 rankings, Bentley was named one of the Best Colleges and Universities in the country and recognized as one of the “Best Northeastern Schools.” This broad recognition speaks to Bentley’s strong academic performance, vibrant campus life, and its central location in the New England region.

For its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, BusinessWeek ranked Bentley #21 among the top undergraduate business programs in the nation in 2010. This ranking highlights the university’s strong emphasis on preparing students for success in the business world, particularly through its entrepreneurship-focused initiatives, internship opportunities, and industry partnerships. Bentley’s McCallum Graduate School was also included in the Global 100 list for 2009-2010 by Beyond Grey Pinstripes, which identifies the top graduate business schools in the world based on their integration of social and environmental responsibility into business education.

In recognition of its financial value, Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine ranked Bentley #28 among the top 100 Best Values in Private Universities for 2009. This ranking places Bentley among the top institutions that offer both high-quality education and an excellent financial value, making it a highly attractive option for students looking for an affordable education without compromising on academic rigor.

Bentley’s status as a tech-savvy institution was also highlighted in the Princeton Review and PC Magazine survey of the Top Wired Campuses for 2008-09, where it ranked #4. This recognition points to Bentley’s cutting-edge technology infrastructure, which supports student learning and research across a range of fields, particularly in business and technology. The university’s strong emphasis on integrating technology into its curriculum ensures that students graduate with the skills necessary to excel in the digital age.

Bentley’s Commitment to Community Involvement

Bentley University’s focus on community engagement is another key feature that sets it apart from other institutions. The university was featured in the 2005 Random House/Princeton Review book, Colleges with a Conscience, which highlights 81 schools with outstanding community involvement. Bentley’s service-learning programs and partnerships with local and global organizations exemplify its commitment to making a positive impact in the broader community, providing students with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society while gaining real-world experience.

Bentley’s commitment to supporting its students beyond the classroom is evident in various rankings and recognitions as well. CosmoGirl! named Bentley as one of the Best 100 Colleges in its 2008 rankings, a reflection of the university’s strong academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and overall student experience. Similarly, Kaplan/Newsweek named Bentley one of the “Hot Schools for 2004”, calling it "a rising star" among American universities, a nod to its growing reputation and impact in the field of higher education.

Athletic and Extracurricular Recognition

Bentley’s athletic programs and its support for student-athletes have also earned recognition. The Golf Digest College Golf Guide ranked Bentley among the top schools for academic male golfers in its 2007-08 edition. This ranking speaks to the university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education, balancing academic success with athletic achievement. Bentley’s emphasis on excellence in both academics and athletics creates an environment where students can thrive in a variety of areas.

Conclusion

Bentley University stands out as a leading institution for business and liberal arts education, consistently earning top rankings and recognition for its academic excellence, community involvement, and technological integration. With its accreditation by both AACSB International and EQUIS, Bentley is recognized as a premier business school offering cutting-edge programs that prepare students for leadership roles in business and beyond. Its strong emphasis on service-learning, student engagement, and community impact sets it apart as an institution committed to producing well-rounded graduates who can thrive in a global, interconnected world.

Whether through its top-ranked business programs, its commitment to entrepreneurship, or its use of technology in education, Bentley University continues to be a rising star in higher education. Its rankings, recognitions, and dedicated approach to both academic and personal development make it an outstanding choice for students seeking an education that prepares them for success in today’s complex, technology-driven world.