Attend Bentley for the Same Tuition as UMass Amherst
Education is about opportunity and ensuring that all students have access to a brighter future. Throughout our history, Bentley has demonstrated a commitment to developing programs that increase access to private education and improve the experience of first-generation students on our campus. The BentleyFirst program provides an award that meets the difference between the tuition cost at Bentley and UMass Amherst, offering a private university education for the price of a state institution. This program does not require a separate application and all eligible students who complete their admission and financial aid applications on time will qualify.
Submit Your Application
BentleyFirst Requirements
| Be a Massachusetts resident planning to graduate (or has already graduated) from a high school in Massachusetts | |
| Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident | |
| Apply as a first-generation* college student | |
| Submit a complete financial aid application by the published deadline | |
| Have a combined parent income of $135,000 or less for 2023 (see FAQ for more detail) | |
| Plan to live on campus |
*First-generation is defined as those students whose parents or guardians have not attained a bachelor's degree at a college or university.
how the program works
Students who meet the criteria above and are admitted for fall 2025 will receive an award equal to the difference between the 2024-25 tuition at Bentley and UMass Isenberg School of Management -- $42,000. Students who have financial need in excess of $42,000 may be eligible for additional financial aid. Academic scholarships are added to the BentleyFirst award.
Questions about BentleyFirst?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bentley has an extensive program of both academic scholarship and need-based grants. By combining Bentley grants with federal and state financial aid resources, Bentley can be a very affordable option. Please note, your total combination of financial aid can't exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Our commitment is to provide all eligible students with at least $42,000 in financial aid, in addition to any scholarships awarded through the admission process. Students who demonstrate financial need in excess of $42,000 will receive additional need-based aid on top of the BentleyFirst award.
You can find the steps to apply for Bentley financial aid here.
The financial aid staff is happy to help you and your parents complete the financial aid application process. Find your counselor here.
Yes. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit supporting federal tax documents annually. The total grant awarded to you represents the minimum grant aid you will receive from all sources (institutional, federal, and state) each academic year as long as there are no significant changes in your situation. These changes include: an increase of 25% or more in your parents' income from year to year, a change in the number of siblings in college, and/or a change in your housing status.
Bentley reviews changes in parents' income through the annual reapplication process. As long as your parents' wages don’t exceed 20% of the maximum BentleyFirst income range of $135,000, you will remain eligible for the BentleyFirst award.
All positive forms of income will be counted toward the $135,000 maximum. This includes sources like wages, interest income, business income, rental property income, etc. Any negative income reported on the tax return does not offset positive income.
Your BentleyFirst eligibility is based on your status as a Massachusetts resident graduating (or has already graduated) from a high school in Massachusetts. Your eligibility will not change should your parents move to another state in a subsequent year.
Yes. In order to remain eligible for BentleyFirst award, you must continuously live in on-campus housing.
Students participating in a Bentley-sponsored semester Study Abroad program are eligible to utilize federal, state and institutional funding, including the BentleyFirst award. Institutional funding is applicable to a single semester of study abroad. Eligibility for non-Bentley Study Abroad programs includes federal and state funds only.
BentleyFirst is only available to prospective Bentley students as the program is designed to make a private education accessible to students who would only consider going to a public university due to cost. Current students already have access to a Bentley education and are able to work with our Office of Financial Assistance in order to keep/make Bentley affordable.