Brandeis University vs. MHC

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than MHC based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,275 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Mount Holyoke College is in South Hadley, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Holyoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Mount Holyoke College 9:1.

Brandeis University vs. MHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or MHC? 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 Mount Holyoke College than Brandeis University ($32,526 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mount Holyoke College are 1.3% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,684 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MHC (about $1,062 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,018.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Brandeis University than at Mount Holyoke College (about $1,062 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,018.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mount Holyoke College than at Brandeis University (77% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Holyoke College students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($52,418 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. MHC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is the same as at MHC (1460).
• Incoming MHC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Mount Holyoke College 1380/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Mount Holyoke College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; MHC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MHC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MHC 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 MHC (36%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 27.2% at MHC.

Brandeis University vs. MHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and MHC? 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 Mount Holyoke College's (85%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than MHC graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mount Holyoke College graduates have a $5,794 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,206 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MHC graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($219 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MHC students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 77%)

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.