Brandeis University vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Brandeis University vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University than Brandeis University ($34,207 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 1.8% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,580 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $1,918 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Brandeis University than at Northeastern University (about $1,918 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Brandeis University (66% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 17.7% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($50,421 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 30 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Northeastern 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; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Northeastern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Brandeis University vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 79%)

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.