Amherst vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

Compare Amherst College in Amherst, MA with Brandeis University in Waltham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

Amherst vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or Brandeis University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Amherst College than Brandeis University ($19,049 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Amherst College are 7.8% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,390 vs. $19,944).
• Amherst College is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $2,400 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Amherst than at Brandeis University (about $2,400 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Amherst College (62% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($68,591 vs. $42,841).

Amherst vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Amherst or Brandeis University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Brandeis University and Amherst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Amherst students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

Amherst vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and Brandeis University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Amherst College's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $14,025 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($12,975 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($134 vs. $279).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.