$48,000
21 months
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“Bentley's accounting and finance programs compete with schools ranked 30 spots higher. If your career math runs through financial statements, this is the specialist's choice.”
Program Overview
Bentley built its reputation on accounting and finance, and the MBA program carries that DNA. The accounting curriculum is among the strongest outside the top 25, producing CPAs and financial analysts who land at Big Four firms, regional accounting practices, and corporate finance departments across New England. Business analytics has become the second pillar, with the Center for Analytics and Data Science connecting students to the data-driven roles that employers increasingly demand.
The 45-student class operates from Waltham, 10 miles west of downtown Boston. That suburban location provides access to Boston's financial services, tech, and healthcare employers while avoiding the city's housing costs. The $48K annual tuition is a Boston-area premium, but the program's accounting and finance placement pipeline creates career returns that justify the investment. CPA exam pass rates from Bentley consistently rank among the highest nationally.
Culture & Community
Bentley's culture is analytically minded and professionally focused. The student body skews toward finance and accounting backgrounds, creating a peer group that speaks the same quantitative language. Waltham is a quiet suburb with easy commuter rail access to downtown Boston. The 45-person class bonds through study groups and the shared experience of rigorous quantitative coursework. Students who want a numbers-focused MBA in a setting that's intense but not cutthroat find Bentley's culture a good fit.
Academics & Curriculum
Accounting and finance courses are the academic core. CPA preparation is integrated into the curriculum, and Bentley's pass rates are nationally recognized. Business analytics courses through the Center for Analytics and Data Science add a modern quantitative dimension. Computer information systems (CIS) is the third strength, bridging business and technology. The 21-month format includes a summer internship window. Faculty bring both academic credentials and professional certifications (CPA, CFA, CAIA) to the classroom.
Career Outcomes
Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) are anchor employers. Financial services companies in Boston's financial district recruit from Bentley for analyst and associate roles. Accounting (25%), finance (28%), analytics (15%), and consulting (12%) are the top sectors. Average salary is approximately $95,000. The Bentley alumni network in New England's financial services industry is established and loyal. CPA and CFA credential holders from Bentley have a hiring advantage in roles that require those certifications.
Who Should Apply
Aspiring CPAs who want an MBA alongside their accounting credentials. Finance professionals targeting Boston's financial services sector. Analytics-minded candidates who want quantitative rigor as the foundation of their MBA. Anyone who values a specialist reputation in accounting and finance over generalist MBA brand prestige.
What to Watch Out For
Bentley's brand is strongest in accounting and finance circles in New England. Outside that region and those disciplines, the name requires context. Waltham is suburban, which means the campus energy is quieter than urban MBA programs. If your goals are in marketing, operations, or industries without a financial reporting focus, Bentley's specialist reputation doesn't help. The $48K tuition is high for this ranking tier, and the $95K average salary, while solid, trails the Boston programs with stronger overall brands.
Known For
Best For
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Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bentley MBA?
Bentley admits approximately 55% of MBA applicants for the class of 2026. The program enrolls about 45 students.
Is Bentley good for accounting careers?
Bentley is one of the strongest MBA programs for accounting. CPA exam pass rates are nationally ranked, Big Four firms recruit actively from the program, and the accounting curriculum is among the deepest outside the top 25 MBA programs.
What is the average salary after Bentley MBA?
Bentley MBA graduates earn an average starting salary of approximately $95,000. Accounting, finance, and analytics roles at Big Four firms and Boston-area financial services companies drive the strongest placement outcomes.