Brandeis University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Brandeis University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or RPI? 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than Brandeis University ($38,887 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are 9.1% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,120 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than RPI (about $3,999 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Brandeis University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (about $3,999 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than at Brandeis University (95% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 1.6% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($43,517 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 20 points higher than at RPI (1440).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at RPI (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• RPI has a higher acceptance rate (63.5%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Brandeis University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and RPI? 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (84%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $15,800 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.