Bentley Academic Calendar

Bentley University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar with two main semesters—fall and spring—along with optional summer sessions. The fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester generally starts in mid-January and ends in early May. Summer sessions offer condensed courses for students seeking to accelerate their studies or catch up on credits. A notable feature of Bentley’s calendar is its emphasis on integrating business-focused experiential learning opportunities, often aligned with breaks and intersessions, allowing students to engage in internships or short-term projects.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August to early September 2025 (exact date TBD), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Thanksgiving Break: Late November 2025 (typically around November 26–30), providing a short hiatus for students to recharge.
• Fall Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–15), concluding the fall semester.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, a longer break encompassing major holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 15–20), following the winter break.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically one week, around March 10–15), offering a mid-semester respite.
• Spring Final Exams: Early May 2026 (approximately May 5–10), wrapping up the academic year.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (around May 15), celebrating graduating students with ceremonies.

• Early Decision I Deadline: Early November 2025 (typically November 1), with notifications by mid-December for the Class of 2030.
• Early Decision II Deadline: Early January 2026 (around January 1), offering a second binding option with notifications by mid-February.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Mid-January 2026 (approximately January 15), with decisions released by late March or early April.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: Mid-February 2026 (often February 15), ensuring timely consideration for need-based aid.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: Early May 2026 (typically May 1), securing a spot for admitted students, with considerations for international applicants to account for visa processing.

Bentley University’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms for higher education institutions in the Northeast, particularly with its semester structure and breaks corresponding to major U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving and winter festivities. This alignment facilitates coordination for students participating in internships or collaborative programs with other universities. Additionally, the calendar offers some flexibility for international students, with extended breaks providing time for travel or visa-related needs. A unique aspect of Bentley’s scheduling is its focus on integrating professional development periods, ensuring students can balance academics with real-world business experiences. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns and may be subject to change pending official university announcements.