Brandeis University vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Lafayette College in Easton, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Lafayette 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 Lafayette College than Brandeis University ($38,442 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lafayette College are 0.4% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,866 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lafayette College (about $2,682 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Brandeis University than at Lafayette College (about $2,682 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Lafayette College (62% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lafayette College students is 4.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($44,707 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 30 points higher than at Lafayette College (1430).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Lafayette College (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Lafayette College (31.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Brandeis University vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Lafayette 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 Lafayette College's (88%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lafayette College 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.