Brandeis University vs. Oberlin

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Oberlin based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,909 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Oberlin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Oberlin? 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 Brandeis University than Oberlin ($43,550 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oberlin College are 2.2% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,510 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oberlin (about $714 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Brandeis University than at Oberlin College (about $714 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oberlin College than at Brandeis University (99% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Oberlin College students ($42,841 vs. $35,780).

Brandeis University vs. Oberlin Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 20 points higher than at Oberlin (1440).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Oberlin (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Oberlin College 1360/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Oberlin College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Oberlin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Oberlin (3.67).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Oberlin (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 19.5% at Oberlin.

Brandeis University vs. Oberlin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Oberlin? 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 Oberlin College's (88%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than Oberlin graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oberlin College graduates have a $421 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($26,579 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Oberlin graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oberlin students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.