Brandeis University vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Bard College 9:1.

Brandeis University vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Bard College? 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 Bard College than Brandeis University ($29,320 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 5.5% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,852 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $1,644 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Brandeis University than at Bard College (about $1,644 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Brandeis University (74% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 28.9% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($55,235 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Bard College? 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 Bard College and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 100 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Brandeis University vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Bard College? 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 Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $806 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($26,194 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($270 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 81%)

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.