History of Bentley University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2026

Bentley University, established in 1917, is a private university located in Waltham, Massachusetts. Originally founded as a school of accounting and finance in Boston, it now offers a range of undergraduate programs, including 17 business majors and 14 arts and sciences majors, along with 39 minors. The graduate school provides five master's degrees, an MBA with eight specializations, and three doctoral programs, showcasing its evolution into a comprehensive university.

1916: Harry C. Bentley Leaves Boston University

In late 1916, Harry C. Bentley left his position as a professor at the College of Business Administration at Boston University.

February 26, 1917: First Bentley School Class

On February 26, 1917, the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance held its first class with thirty students in a room at 30 Huntington Avenue.

1917: Bentley University Founded

In 1917, Bentley University was founded as a school of accounting and finance in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

1920: Bentley Leases Space at 921 Boylston Street

In 1920, for the 1920-1921 school year, Bentley leased and renovated several floors of 921 Boylston Street to accommodate an expanding student population.

1921: Expansion at 921 Boylston Street

In 1921, Bentley expanded its operations into 921 Boylston Street.

1930: Stable Student Population During Great Depression

During the Great Depression in 1930, Bentley maintained a relatively stable student population.

1937: Expansion at 325 Newbury Street

Between 1937 and 1941, Bentley rented and renovated space at 325 Newbury Street as student population grew.

1938: All Time High in Student Enrollment

In 1938-39, Bentley reached an all-time high of 3,084 students.

1941: Continued Expansion at 325 Newbury Street

Between 1937 and 1941, Bentley rented and renovated space at 325 Newbury Street as student population grew.

1942: Permanent Coeducation Begins

In 1942, Bentley began admitting women permanently to help offset the dwindling number of male students due to World War II.

1944: Student Population Decline During World War II

In 1944-45, Bentley's student population declined to 1,055 students due to World War II.

1946: Continued Coeducation

Between 1942 and 1946, over 1,000 women took classes at Bentley.

1948: Incorporation as a Non-Profit

In 1948, the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance was incorporated as a non-profit organization, and Mr. Bentley donated his interests in the corporation of the school to the non-profit.

1953: Harry Bentley Steps Down as President

In 1953, Harry Bentley stepped down as president of the Bentley School, becoming president emeritus, and Maurice Monroe Lindsay became the second president.

1961: Accreditation to Confer Bachelor of Science Degrees

In 1961, Bentley College was accredited to confer four-year Bachelor of Science degrees under president Thomas Lincoln Morison.

1962: Land Purchased in Waltham

In 1962, land was purchased from the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts, for the relocation of Bentley College.

1963: Construction Begins in Waltham

In 1963, construction began to develop the campus in Waltham, Massachusetts.

1968: Construction Completed in Waltham

In 1968, construction to develop the campus in Waltham was completed.

1970: Gregory H. Adamian Becomes President

In 1970, Gregory H. Adamian became the fourth president of Bentley College.

1971: Accreditation to Confer Bachelor of Arts Degrees

In 1971, Bentley College became accredited to confer four-year Bachelor of Arts degrees.

1973: Accreditation to Confer Graduate Degrees

In 1973, Bentley College became accredited to confer graduate degrees.

1997: Bentley Investment Group Started

In 1997, the Bentley Investment Group started with $250,000 and 24 original members.

2002: Campus Opens in Bahrain

In 2002, Bentley College opened a campus in Bahrain in partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance.

2005: Accreditation to Confer Doctoral Degrees

In 2005, Bentley College was accredited to confer its first doctoral degrees in the fields of business and accountancy.

2006: Bentley Library Renovation and Logo Change

In 2006, The Bentley Library underwent a sweeping renovation during which time the school's logo was changed to showcase the clock tower.

2007: Rugby Program Wins National Title

In 2007, Bentley's rugby program won a national Division III title.

2008: Name Change to Bentley University

In 2008, Bentley College changed its name to Bentley University.

2008: Rugby Program Wins Two Titles

In 2008, Bentley's rugby program won two national Division III titles as well as the Beast of the East tournament.

2010: Fed Challenge Team Wins Nationals

In 2010, Bentley's Fed Challenge team won the College National Fed Challenge.

2011: Rugby Team Qualified for Nationals and Won Conference

In 2011, Bentley's Rugby team was a Division II National Qualifier and Rugby Northeast Conference champion.

2012: Fed Challenge Team Takes Second Place

In 2012, Bentley's Fed Challenge team won second place in the College National Fed Challenge.

2012: Rugby Team Qualified for Nationals

In 2012, Bentley's Rugby team was a Division II National Qualifier.

2014: Men's Ultimate Frisbee Team Wins Championship

In 2014, the Bentley Men's Ultimate Frisbee team won USA Ultimate's Division III College Championship.

July 2018: Alison Davis-Blake Becomes President

In July 2018, Alison Davis-Blake became Bentley's eighth president.

June 2020: Alison Davis-Blake Steps Down

In June 2020, Alison Davis-Blake stepped down as president and was replaced by interim president Paul Condrin.

March 2021: E. LaBrent Chrite Appointed Ninth President

In March 2021, E. LaBrent Chrite was unanimously appointed to serve as Bentley's ninth president.

2024: Admissions Statistics for Bentley University

In 2024, Bentley University's undergraduate acceptance rate was 48%, with admitted students having an average GPA of 3.75. Submission of standardized test scores is optional.