BC vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

Boston College is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (15,432 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BC vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BC 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 Boston College than Brandeis University ($32,519 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Boston College are 5.2% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,916 vs. $19,944).
• Boston College is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $2,622 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at BC than at Brandeis University (about $2,622 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Boston College (62% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston College students is 33% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($56,971 vs. $42,841).

BC vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BC 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 BC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston College (1490) is 30 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming BC 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: Boston College 1440/1540; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston College 33/35; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BC - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BC Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BC students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than BC (16.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.5% at BC vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

BC vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BC 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).

• The graduation rate at BC is the same as at Brandeis University (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from Boston College earn a median of about $24,200 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($90,900 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Boston College graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BC graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More BC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.