Bentley University: A Hub for Future Leaders and Innovative Thinkers

Bentley University stands as a distinguished institution dedicated to cultivating successful leaders poised to enact positive change across communities, organizations, and the global landscape. The university champions the concept of integrating business acumen with social responsibility, equipping students with critical thinking skills and practical expertise essential for effective collaboration, clear communication, and thriving in impactful careers.

A Community Focused on Impact

More than just a top-tier business school, Bentley fosters a close-knit community of leaders driven to make a difference, propelling both business and society forward. The university is committed to preparing students to be a force for positive change, from academic settings to executive boardrooms.

Location and Accessibility

Situated on a classic New England campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, Bentley enjoys a prime location just minutes away from Harvard Square and Boston. This proximity provides students with convenient access to the rich professional networking and cultural opportunities of a major metropolitan area. The university is set on 163 acres, 9 miles west of Boston. This advantageous location, combined with Bentley's emphasis on hands-on learning, provides students with the ideal environment for career preparation in today's rapidly evolving economy.

Getting to Bentley University is relatively straightforward:

By Air: Logan International Airport is approximately 30 minutes east of Bentley by car (15 miles), depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the airport.
Public Transportation: While possible, public transportation from the airport is not the most convenient option. Bus #554 can be taken from downtown Boston with connections in Newton.
Shuttle Service: Ultimate Livery and AirPorter offer shuttle services to and from the campus.

Campus Life and Community

With nearly 80 percent of students residing on campus, Bentley cultivates a tight-knit and inclusive community that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The university enrolls approximately 4,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and PhD students, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment.

Bentley's location in Waltham places the cultural and professional opportunities of Boston within easy reach. A free shuttle service provides regular transportation to Harvard Square in Cambridge, offering convenient access to Boston's theater, art exhibits, music venues, sports events, and shopping destinations. Boston also offers many opportunities for internships and jobs after graduation.

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in student life at Bentley. Students dedicate their free time to interest-based clubs and activities, such as the student-run Bentley Investment Group, which provides opportunities to explore interests and acquire new knowledge and skills. While academics are a priority, students also find time for fun and socializing. Greek life and other organizations contribute to a vibrant campus atmosphere, with parties and social events available on weekends.

Academics: A Blend of Business and Liberal Arts

Though recognized for its strong business programs, Bentley University offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates liberal arts with advanced business studies. The university provides undergraduate degrees in 17 business majors and 14 arts and sciences majors, along with 39 minors, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Bentley provides students with "excellent technical knowledge and skills" and a wide array of business disciplines to choose from. The strong business curriculum, particularly in finance and accounting, emphasizes relevant coursework, which is reflected in the high placement rates of graduates, with over 97 percent employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Some classes are designed to enhance learning, and many feature presentations from working professionals, providing students with valuable insights into the real world.

The Honors Program offers exceptional students in the top 10 percent of their class the opportunity to engage in honors-level courses and specialized programs, including individual, group, and faculty research projects. The FirstGen Presidential Fellows Program supports first-generation students with academic, professional, and personal development opportunities, including financial aid packages that cover the full cost of attendance. Combined degree programs allow students to begin graduate coursework during their undergraduate years without sacrificing internships or study abroad experiences.

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Bentley's academic approach is designed to prepare students for today's complex world by combining business education with arts and sciences, classroom learning with real-world experience, and technology with a global perspective. This comprehensive approach enables students to develop essential skills and think across disciplines, ensuring they are ready to succeed in their careers and thrive in all aspects of life.

High-Tech Learning Laboratories

Bentley University emphasizes hands-on learning, offering several high-tech learning laboratories that allow students to apply classroom concepts in practical settings:

Learning Lab for Economics, Accounting and Finance (LEAF): Provides access to industry software and tools for accounting, economics, and finance professions, including ACL, Great Plains Learning Insights, Peachtree, and TurboTax.
Financial Trading Room: Offers real-time data and state-of-the-art technology for risk management, asset valuation, and portfolio construction. Students have access to Bloomberg terminals and software such as Crystal Ball Pro, DataStream Advance, FactSet, Mergent Horizon, Morningstar Direct, S&P Compustat, and SPSS.
Center for Languages and International Collaboration (CLIC): Supports language courses, international studies, and global issues, offering Rosetta Stone software in over 25 languages, international broadcasts, live video conferencing, and conversation rooms.
Media and Culture Labs and Studio: Provides a production facility with tools for video, sound, digital photography, and design, including a sound-proofed studio with green screen capabilities, post-production software, and lighting grid.
User Experience Center (UXC): Features labs for usability testing, allowing students to experiment with user experience research, evaluation, and design.
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Sandbox: A collaborative space for students to work on projects, build mobile apps, create video games, and explore new technology trends, equipped with Google TVs, Xbox 360 with Kinect, and specialized networking equipment.
Bentley Library: Offers computer workstations, group study rooms, wireless network access, online resources, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) collection management system.

Commitment to Well-being

Bentley University is committed to the well-being of its students, providing resources and support for their mental health and overall wellness. The university has a peer education team known as the Wellbeing Educators (WEs), who provide mental health workshops and trainings, promote resources, create social media content, and offer peer listening sessions. Resident Assistants (RAs) also organize programming around mental health and wellness topics for their residents.

Financial Aid and Investment in Education

Bentley University recognizes that a college education is a significant investment and is committed to working with students and families to identify financial aid solutions. Bentley's financial aid program includes scholarships based on academic achievement and grants based on financial need. More than 80 percent of aid awarded comes from Bentley-funded grants and scholarships.

Over 70 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university's personalized approach to financial aid has resulted in a student loan default rate of less than one percent, significantly lower than the national average.

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Career Development and Outcomes

Bentley University places a strong emphasis on career development, with a dedicated career services office that provides students with resources and support to prepare them for the job market. Students appreciate the school's efforts in preparing them for real-world applications, and many credit the career development services office with their success after graduation.

The Pulsifer Career Development Center offers services ranging from rÃ©sumÃ© and cover letter critique to interview preparation, accessible both in-person and online. These efforts result in high employment rates for graduates, with over 98 percent employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

A History of Innovation and Growth

Bentley University was founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance by Harry C. Bentley. Initially located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, the school moved to its current location in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1961. Over the years, Bentley has evolved from a school of accounting and finance to a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The university has a history of innovation, including the introduction of Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1971 and graduate degrees in 1973. In 2008, Bentley College became Bentley University, reflecting its growth and expanded academic offerings.

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

Bentley University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel welcome and supported. The university's notice of non-discrimination ensures that all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits, are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected status.

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