Brandeis University vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Brandeis University ($28,719 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 12.2% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,510 vs. $19,944).
• Hamilton College is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $880 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Hamilton College than at Brandeis University (about $880 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Hamilton College (62% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($55,511 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 40 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Hamilton College 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; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Brandeis University vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Hamilton 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 Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.