Brandeis University vs. Macalester College

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Macalester College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Macalester 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 Macalester College than Brandeis University ($40,225 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 21% lower than at Brandeis University ($15,760 vs. $19,944).
• Macalester College is 0% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $24 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0% higher at Macalester College than at Brandeis University (about $24 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Macalester College than at Brandeis University (87% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 0.2% larger than aid received by Macalester College students ($42,841 vs. $42,766).

Brandeis University vs. Macalester College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 30 points higher than at Macalester College (1430).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Macalester College (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Macalester College 1350/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Macalester College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Macalester College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Macalester College (3.81).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 21.9% at Macalester College.

Brandeis University vs. Macalester College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Macalester 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 Macalester College's (87%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Macalester College graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $4,330 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($22,670 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.