BU vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

Boston University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BU vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BU 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 University than Brandeis University ($24,420 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Boston University are 4.6% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,020 vs. $19,944).
• Boston University is 0% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $22 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0% higher at BU than at Brandeis University (about $22 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Boston University (62% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston University students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($61,848 vs. $42,841).

BU vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BU 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 BU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston University (1480) is 20 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming BU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 1420/1530; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 32/34; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BU - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BU Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at BU (3.79).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at BU vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

BU vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BU 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).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Boston University's (85%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brandeis University and BU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Brandeis University and BU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More BU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.