Brandeis University vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Cornell University 9:1.

Brandeis University vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Cornell? 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 Cornell University than Brandeis University ($26,361 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell University are 2.6% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,428 vs. $19,944).
• Cornell University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $1,234 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Cornell than at Brandeis University (about $1,234 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Cornell University (62% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 44.2% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($61,779 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Cornell 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; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Brandeis University vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $31,700 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.