Brandeis University vs. Columbia

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Columbia University in the City of New York is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1.

Brandeis University vs. Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Columbia? 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 Columbia University in the City of New York than Brandeis University ($22,520 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia University in the City of New York are 11.9% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,580 vs. $19,944).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $3,765 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at Columbia than at Brandeis University (about $3,765 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (62% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 56.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($67,010 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Columbia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 90 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Columbia 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; Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia 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 Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 64.9% at Columbia.

Brandeis University vs. Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Columbia? 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).

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $40,900 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

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.