Brandeis University vs. Carnegie Mellon

Comparable Facts

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

Carnegie Mellon University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (15,888 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carnegie Mellon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Carnegie Mellon University 5:1.

Brandeis University vs. Carnegie Mellon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon University than Brandeis University ($35,552 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carnegie Mellon University are 8.9% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,166 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carnegie Mellon (about $1,834 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $66,246.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at Brandeis University than at Carnegie Mellon University (about $1,834 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $66,246.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Carnegie Mellon University (62% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carnegie Mellon University students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($48,107 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Carnegie Mellon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carnegie Mellon University (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Carnegie Mellon 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: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Carnegie Mellon University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Carnegie Mellon University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Carnegie Mellon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carnegie Mellon Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carnegie Mellon students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Carnegie Mellon (11.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 45.7% at Carnegie Mellon.

Brandeis University vs. Carnegie Mellon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon University's (87%).
• Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $36,000 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carnegie Mellon University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carnegie Mellon graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Carnegie Mellon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.