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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Bentley University

Waltham, Massachusetts · www.bentley.edu

中文

THE World 2027

#1201

Acceptance rate

45.1%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$61,000

$81,140 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

4,526

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

83.7%

4-year; 6-year rate 88.0%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Bentley University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is renowned for its strong emphasis on business education and its integration of liberal arts into the curriculum. Founded in 1917, Bentley has evolved into a leading institution that prepares students for the dynamic demands of the global economy. One of the university's distinguishing features is its commitment to experiential learning. This is exemplified through various programs that encourage internships, co-ops, and real-world projects, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings. Additionally, Bentley's campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, advanced technology labs, and dedicated spaces for collaboration and innovation, fostering a vibrant academic environment.

The university's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "The Whole Person," reflecting a holistic approach to education that nurtures not only intellectual growth but also ethical and social responsibility. Bentley offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in areas like finance, marketing, and information systems. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry insights to the classroom. Bentley's diverse student body contributes to a rich cultural atmosphere, promoting inclusivity and collaboration among peers. Graduates from Bentley University are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to the strong career services and robust alumni network that help connect students with potential employers. Overall, Bentley University stands out as a premier institution that blends academic rigor with practical experience, preparing its students for successful careers in an ever-evolving world.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention at Bentley University

Over the years, Bentley University has experienced significant changes in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention, which are crucial indicators of its overall performance and appeal to prospective students.

The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has seen a steady increase from $41,110 in 2014 to $56,500 in 2023, reflecting a substantial rise of approximately 37% over this period. Such increases in tuition can often lead to concerns about affordability and accessibility for students, particularly in the context of rising student debt levels across the United States.

In terms of graduation rates, the university has maintained a robust performance. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students hovered around 82% to 87% from 2013 to 2023, with a slight decline in recent years but still remaining relatively high. The 150% graduation rate, which captures students who graduate within six years, has been consistently above 89%, indicating that students are generally successful in completing their degrees.

Furthermore, the student retention rate has shown a slight downward trend over the years, with retention for undergraduate students dropping from approximately 95% in 2013 to about 91% in 2023. While still high, this decline might suggest that some students are facing challenges that could affect their decision to continue their education at Bentley. Factors such as increasing tuition costs and changing demographics among students may also influence retention rates.

Overall, while Bentley University continues to maintain strong graduation rates and a high level of student achievement, the rising tuition costs and slight decline in retention indicate areas where the university may need to focus its efforts to ensure it remains an attractive option for future students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Boston, about 10 mi
Nearest international airport
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about 10 mi
Waltham, Massachusetts
Also known as
Bentley
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Brent Chrite (President)
Phone
7818912000
City
Waltham, Massachusetts
Address
175 Forest St, Waltham, MA 02452-4705

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
42.5%
Women
48.7%

In 2020: men 42.3%, women 54.0%.

Data insights

Analysis of Bentley University's Admission Trends

The admission data for Bentley University over the years reveals significant trends and shifts in both acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. Notably, the acceptance rate for male applicants has fluctuated from approximately 36% in 2009 to a peak of about 58% in 2022, while female applicants have experienced similar variations, from around 40% to nearly 65% in the same timeframe. This suggests a growing trend towards inclusivity and possibly an increase in female applications, reflecting broader societal changes in education and workforce participation.
Enrollment figures have also shown an upward trajectory, with the number of incoming students steadily increasing, peaking at 1,141 in 2023. This could indicate Bentley's enhanced appeal as a choice for prospective students, possibly due to its reputation, academic offerings, or campus environment. The number of denied applications has remained substantial, indicating a competitive admissions process, yet the rising enrollment suggests that the university is effectively managing this competition.
Additionally, the number of deferred applications has fluctuated, with a high of 4,655 in 2022. This may reflect a strategic move by the university to retain strong candidates while managing enrollment numbers amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, which impacted many institutions in various ways.
In conclusion, Bentley University's admission trends highlight a dynamic and evolving landscape, with increasing enrollment numbers and fluctuating acceptance rates, particularly for female students. This evolution is indicative of broader trends in higher education, including changing demographics and the ongoing response to societal shifts.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Business School2 programs#83▲5
Computer Science#319▲42
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 19% submitted SAT, 2% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1280–1430Peer median 1158
ACT composite28–31
SAT Reading
630–700
600700800
SAT Math
650–730
600700800
ACT composite
28–31
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at Bentley University

The admissions data from Bentley University over the years reveals significant trends in standardized test score submissions and performance. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores peaked at 98% in 2007 but has since seen a dramatic decline, hitting 27% by 2022 and 2023. This decline may reflect a broader national trend where many colleges and universities are moving towards test-optional policies, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has influenced testing availability and accessibility.

Examining the scores, we see fluctuations in the 25th and 75th percentile ranges for SAT reading and mathematics. For instance, in 2007, the scores ranged from 530 to 620 for reading, while by 2023, they had shifted to 618 to 690. This suggests that, despite a decrease in the number of students taking the SAT, the ones who do submit scores demonstrate increasingly higher academic capabilities over time.

The ACT scores follow a similar pattern, with a notable strength in composite scores as well as specific sections like English and Math. The consistency in a competitive scoring range signifies that Bentley continues to attract academically strong candidates, even with fewer test submissions.

Overall, this data highlights an evolving landscape in college admissions, where institutions like Bentley University are adapting to changing preferences among prospective students, while still maintaining high academic standards for those who do submit standardized test scores. As the trend towards test-optional admissions continues, it will be interesting to see how universities adjust their evaluation criteria and what impact this has on overall student performance and diversity in the applicant pool.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 5 in 10

11,012 applicants in 2025, 45.1% admitted

4,961 admitted 6,051 not admitted Yield 21.3%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1,014147 international (14.5%)
Master's42684 international (19.7%)
Doctoral31 international (33.3%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Finance, General
305
Business Administration and Management, General
121
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
113
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
110
Accounting
84
Accounting and Finance
78
Computer and Information Sciences, General
51
Business Statistics
35
Business/Managerial Economics
32
Business/Corporate Communications, General
25

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's174 (6% international)
  • Finance, General · Master's77 (8% international)
  • Business Statistics · Master's45 (58% international)
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other · Master's45 (13% international)
  • Financial Mathematics · Master's32 (75% international)
  • Human Computer Interaction · Master's32 (25% international)

Data insights

Analysis of 2023 Graduation Data from Bentley University

In examining the 2023 graduation data from Bentley University, several notable trends emerge. The most prominent field is Business Administration and Management, with a significant number of graduates, particularly at the master's level, where 205 students graduated. This reflects the growing demand for advanced education in business disciplines, aligning with the current job market's emphasis on skilled management professionals.

Interestingly, the data indicates a substantial presence of international students, especially in the master's programs. For instance, the master's programs in Business Administration and Management and Accounting and Finance have a combined total of 26 and 20 international graduates respectively. This highlights Bentley University's appeal to global students seeking quality education in business-related fields, emphasizing the institution's commitment to diversity and international collaboration.

Another noteworthy observation is the limited graduation numbers in computer science and mathematics fields. While these areas are critical in today's technology-driven world, the absence of bachelor's degrees and low numbers in master's programs suggest potential underrepresentation. This may point to a need for Bentley to enhance its offerings or marketing strategies to attract more students in these vital disciplines.

Overall, the graduation data provides insights into the strengths and opportunities for growth within Bentley University's academic programs. As the landscape of higher education evolves, it is crucial for institutions to adapt and respond to the changing demands of the workforce and the interests of prospective students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 1278 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$71,032-$109,265
Research and Development Management.$71,032-$109,265
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$71,032-$109,265
Accounting.$78,582-$82,722
Accounting and Finance.$78,582-$82,722
Business/Corporate Communications, General.$71,584
Business/Managerial Economics.$75,247
Finance, General.$77,361-$89,198
Business Statistics.$83,246-$90,381
Actuarial Science.$83,246-$90,381
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.$83,246-$90,381
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$65,229-$76,503
Taxation.$94,264
Selling Skills and Sales Operations.-
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.$75,503
Computer and information sciencehas 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.$82,772
Information Technology.$82,772
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.$81,350
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 49 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
International/Globalization Studies.$77,129
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.-
Human Computer Interaction.$135,169
Financial Analytics.-
Liberal arts has 44 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$77,001
General Studies.$77,001
Mathmatics and statistics has 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.$85,648
Financial Mathematics.-
Social sciencehas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.-
Public administrationhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Public Policy Analysis, General.-
Communication has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mass Communication/Media Studies.-
Health professionshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health Services Administration.$78,149
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.$68,567
Psychology has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$73,721
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Foreign languages has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chinese Language and Literature.-

Students

5,333 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 60:40 · Freshman retention 92.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,526)

White
2,349 · 51.9%
International
699 · 15.4%
Hispanic
639 · 14.1%
Asian
447 · 9.9%
Black
200 · 4.4%
Two or more races
133 · 2.9%
Unknown
52 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.1%
18–19
43.3%
20–21
47.7%
22–24
7.6%
25 and over
0.3%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.5%
22–24
37.8%
25–29
24.9%
30–34
14.5%
35 and over
21.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Bentley University in 2023

The student composition at Bentley University in 2023 reveals a diverse body of learners, yet highlights interesting gender and racial dynamics within its undergraduate and graduate populations. The undergraduate new students, comprising 1,141 individuals, show a notable male majority at 61.1%, indicating a slightly higher male enrollment compared to females. This trend continues amongst undergraduate continuing students, with 2,843 enrolled and a gender distribution of 60.8% male and 39.2% female.

What stands out is the demographic representation of students from various ethnic backgrounds. Among the new undergraduate students, the majority are White, followed by significant representation from other groups, although specific percentages for these groups are not disclosed. The presence of international students, while not quantified in absolute numbers, signals a growing interest in Bentley as a destination for diverse learners.

In contrast, the graduate student body of 1,034 is much more balanced in terms of gender, with males representing 50.7% and females 49.3%. This indicates a shift in gender dynamics that may reflect broader trends in graduate education where female enrollment has been increasing over recent years.

Overall, while Bentley University demonstrates a commitment to diversity, the gender disparity among undergraduate levels raises questions about recruitment strategies. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for fostering an inclusive environment. Additionally, as institutions of higher education face increasing scrutiny over representation, Bentley's demographic composition will be essential in shaping its future policies and community outreach efforts.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Bentley University

The age composition of students at Bentley University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding enrollment across various age groups. The data shows that the majority of students fall into the <18 and 18-19 age categories, with a significant number of both undergraduate males and females. Specifically, there are 547 male undergraduates and 403 female undergraduates under the age of 18, while the 18-19 age group includes 1162 male undergraduates and 762 female undergraduates. This indicates a strong presence of traditional-age students who typically enroll right after high school.

As students progress in their academic careers, the number of enrolled students in the 20-21 and 22-24 age brackets begins to decline. Notably, the 20-21 age group has 729 male undergraduates and 437 female undergraduates, while the 22-24 age group sees a further drop with only 64 male undergraduates and 14 female undergraduates. This trend could reflect a common phenomenon in higher education where students either graduate quickly or drop out for various reasons, including financial constraints or personal circumstances.

The graduate student population displays a different trend, especially in the 22-24 age group, where the number of male graduate students significantly increases to 173, suggesting that many students may be returning to school for advanced degrees shortly after completing their undergraduate studies. However, the presence of older students (ages 25-39) remains relatively low, indicating that Bentley primarily attracts younger students.

Overall, Bentley University appears to cater predominantly to a younger demographic, aligning with trends in higher education where institutions often see a higher enrollment of traditional-age students. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these age demographics shift in the coming years, particularly in response to societal changes and the increasing prevalence of online learning options.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates15.4%

699 in 2025 · 15.7% in 2016

0% 10% 20% 2016: 15.7%2017: 14.8%2018: 14.9%2019: 16.2%2020: 16.6%2021: 14.5%2022: 14.6%2023: 14.8%2024: 15.1%2025: 15.4%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students19.1%

154 in 2025 · 44.0% in 2016

0% 27.5% 55% 2016: 44.0%2017: 44.9%2018: 45.9%2019: 40.2%2020: 35.6%2021: 26.4%2022: 24.4%2023: 23.4%2024: 20.4%2025: 19.1%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Bentley University

The data regarding international student enrollment at Bentley University reflects significant trends over the years, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate programs. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international students in the undergraduate population started at 7.59% and showed a gradual increase, peaking at 16.60% in 2020. This growth illustrates Bentley's increasing appeal to international students, a trend that is consistent with the overall rise in global student mobility.

However, the data also reveals fluctuations in graduate student enrollment. The percentage of international students in graduate programs rose dramatically from 12.34% in 2004 to a high of 43.96% in 2016. This suggests that Bentley has effectively attracted a larger share of international graduate students, likely reflecting the university's expanding reputation in graduate education.

Interestingly, recent years show a decline in both undergraduate and graduate international student enrollment percentages, particularly notable after 2020. This could be attributed to various factors, including the global pandemic's impact on travel and education, as well as changing immigration policies in the U.S. These challenges may have deterred potential international students from choosing Bentley as their destination for higher education.

Overall, while Bentley University has successfully increased its international student enrollment over the years, the recent downturn raises concerns about the future of international recruitment. The university may need to enhance its strategies to adapt to the changing landscape of global education and ensure it remains an attractive option for prospective international students.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$81,140

Undergraduate tuition
$61,000
Room and board
$20,140
Graduate tuition
$46,920
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 38% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 39%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$294M

Tuition and fees
$165M56.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$67.5M23.0%
Investment return
$39.7M13.5%
Gifts and private grants
$10.4M3.6%
Government grants and contracts
$4.0M1.4%
Other
$7.2M2.5%

Expenses$244M

Instruction
$79.9M32.7%
Student services
$46.5M19.1%
Institutional support
$45.9M18.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$44.0M18.0%
Academic support
$23.2M9.5%
Research
$4.6M1.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$142,624peers $68,006
Professor
$194,480peers $78,041
Associate professor
$149,648peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$141,591peers $63,827
Lecturer
$101,190peers $59,832

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Northeast 10 Conference

Northeast 10 Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)8659
Football102-
Lacrosse6331
Soccer3836
Swimming and Diving (combined)3326
Baseball42-
Basketball1515
Ice Hockey30-
Field Hockey-28
Tennis1211
Golf109
Softball-19
Volleyball-18
2024
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)9259
Lacrosse6827
Football93-
Soccer4227
Swimming and Diving (combined)2625
Baseball44-
Ice Hockey30-
Basketball1514
Field Hockey-28
Tennis1312
Softball-21
Volleyball-17
Golf12-
2023
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)9055
Lacrosse6827
Football93-
Soccer3227
Swimming and Diving (combined)2522
Baseball44-
Ice Hockey30-
Basketball1514
Field Hockey-28
Tennis1312
Softball-21
Volleyball-17
Golf12-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Bentley University:

  1. Harvard University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News, Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.

  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - With a ranking of 2, MIT is renowned for its engineering and technology programs and is a leader in scientific research and innovation.

  3. Boston College - Ranked 39th, Boston College is recognized for its strong liberal arts curriculum and commitment to undergraduate education.

  4. Tufts University - Holding the 40th position, Tufts is known for its internationalism and emphasis on active citizenship.

  5. Wellesley College - A top-ranked women's college at 4th place, Wellesley offers a rigorous liberal arts education and is known for producing leaders in various fields.

These institutions provide a diverse range of academic offerings and are well-respected in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
382
Drug referrals
139
Rape
17
Fondling
7
Weapons referrals
7
Residence hall fires
6

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trends in Crime Rates at Bentley University

The crime data from Bentley University over the past decade reveals a significant downward trend in recorded offenses per 1,000 students. From a peak crime rate of 33.19 in 2013, the numbers have steadily decreased, reaching a low of 10.35 in 2022, with a slight increase to 10.92 in 2023. This decline is encouraging and suggests improvements in campus safety and student behavior.

A closer look at the specific types of offenses shows that incidents related to firearms and drugs have been particularly scrutinized. The arrest rates for drug-related offenses have notably decreased, reflecting broader societal shifts regarding drug use and enforcement practices. Additionally, the absence of recorded incidents related to dating violence and stalking in recent years indicates a positive change in campus culture.

It's also important to consider external factors that may influence these trends. Increased awareness and education about consent and healthy relationships, alongside campus initiatives aimed at reducing substance abuse, may have contributed to these reductions in crime rates.

However, it is essential to maintain vigilance and continue investing in campus safety programs to ensure that these trends do not reverse. Community involvement, transparent communication, and sustained efforts in crime prevention will be crucial as Bentley University progresses.

For those interested in understanding how these crime rates are calculated, further information can be found at forwardpathway.com.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Bentley University include Jay Leno (Former Tonight Show host and comedian), Charles Taylor (22nd President of Liberia) and Mike Mangini (Drummer, formerly of Dream Theater).

More alumni (14, by field)

Politics and law

  • George J. Bates 1891–1949

    U.S. Representative from Massachusetts

    Child: William H. Bates (Harvard University, Brown University)

  • Stephen Davenport 1924–2011

    Former Massachusetts state senator and lawyer

    Also attended: Boston University

  • Gailanne Cariddi 1953–2017

    Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives

  • Philip N. Carney 1919–2005

    Massachusetts House of Representatives member

    Also attended: Boston University

  • Robert B. Kennedy 1940–2018

    Politician from Lowell, Massachusetts

    Also attended: University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Business

  • Fahim Saleh 1986–2020

    Entrepreneur who founded Pathao and Gokada

  • Mawuena Trebarh 1971–2024

    Ghanaian business executive and former investment promotion CEO

    Sibling: Komla Dumor (Harvard University)

  • Lisa Lutoff-Perlo 1957–

    Former president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises

  • C.C. Chapman 1973–

    Blogger, marketing consultant, and speaker

Arts and media

  • David Pakman 1984–

    Host of The David Pakman Show

    Also attended: University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Ibón Cormenzana 1972–

    Basque film producer, screenwriter and director

Sports

  • Shaun Deeb 1986–

    Professional poker player with nine WSOP bracelets

  • Jason Westrol 1988–

    Professional basketball player

  • Mackenzy Bernadeau 1986–

    Former NFL guard

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

Recent News at Bentley University

Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.

0Updates in the past 12 months
Oct 2024Latest update
CampusMost common topic
  1. Other

    Bentley University debuted its inaugural Presidential Faculty Fellows program, supporting faculty-led initiatives aligned with its Falcons Forward 2030 strategic plan to advance academic innovation and enhance student learning.

    Source: bentley.edu

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.