Bentley vs Boston College Carroll
Which MBA program is right for you?
Bentley
Boston College Carroll
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Bentley | Boston College Carroll |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #77 | #49 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55% | 40% |
| Avg. GMAT | 620 | 680 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 45 | 100 |
| Avg. Salary | $95,000 | $135,000 |
| Employment Rate | 87% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $48,000 | $57,500 |
The Verdict
Choose Bentley if…
you want a Waltham-based business-focused MBA with finance and accounting strength, smaller class, and lower acceptance bar.
Full Bentley Profile →Choose Boston College Carroll if…
you want a higher-ranked Jesuit university MBA with the BC brand, stronger national recruiting, and access to the broader Boston ecosystem.
Full Boston College Carroll Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Boston College Carroll (#49) and Bentley (#77) are private Boston-area MBA programs with overlapping markets but different brands. Carroll outranks Bentley by 28 spots and benefits from BC's stronger overall university reputation. Bentley counters with a tighter business-school focus, stronger accounting and finance specialization, and easier admissions.
Brand and Specialty
BC's brand carries weight beyond the MBA program because it spans the entire university. Bentley is essentially a business-only school, which gives the MBA a more vocational feel and stronger alumni density in accounting (Big Four), wealth management, and finance operations. Bentley graduates often outpace BC graduates in narrow finance specialties; BC graduates tend to win broader strategy and consulting roles.
The Honest Take
For most career goals, take Carroll. The brand, ranking, and broader alumni network produce more optionality. Bentley is the right call for candidates targeting accounting (especially Big Four), wealth management firms, or financial operations roles where Bentley alumni dominate. The acceptance gap (55% Bentley vs 40% BC) means Bentley is also the safer admit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more selective?
Boston College Carroll at 40% acceptance is more selective than Bentley at 55%. GMAT median is 680 at BC vs 620 at Bentley.
Which is better for accounting?
Bentley. The undergraduate and graduate accounting programs are top-tier nationally, and the Big Four recruit hard from the MBA program.
Which has better Boston employer access?
Both have strong Boston access. BC's broader brand opens more doors in consulting and tech. Bentley's depth in finance operations and accounting opens more doors at financial services firms specifically.