Brandeis University vs. Princeton

Comparable Facts

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

Princeton University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (9,137 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Princeton University is in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Princeton University 5:1.

Brandeis University vs. Princeton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Princeton? 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 Princeton University than Brandeis University ($15,313 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 1.5% lower than at Princeton University ($19,944 vs. $20,250).
• Brandeis University is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Princeton (about $5,392 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Brandeis University than at Princeton University (about $5,392 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Princeton University than at Brandeis University (67% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 60.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($68,727 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Princeton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 90 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Princeton 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; Princeton University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Princeton University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Princeton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Princeton Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Princeton students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 75.5% at Princeton.

Brandeis University vs. Princeton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Princeton? 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).

• Princeton University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $47,200 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $19,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($7,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $202 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($77 vs. $279).
• More Princeton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.