Brandeis University vs. Rice

Comparable Facts

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

Rice University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (8,961 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Rice University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rice University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Rice University 6:1.

Brandeis University vs. Rice Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Rice? 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 Rice University than Brandeis University ($23,589 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rice University are 9.2% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,100 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rice (about $3,936 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $64,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at Brandeis University than at Rice University (about $3,936 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $64,144.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Rice University (62% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rice University students is 31.2% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($56,199 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Rice Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rice University (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Rice 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; Rice University 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Rice University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Rice - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rice Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rice students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Rice (8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 44.2% at Rice.

Brandeis University vs. Rice Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rice University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Rice University earn a median of about $19,700 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($86,400 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rice University graduates have a $16,773 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($10,227 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rice graduates have an estimated $174 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($105 vs. $279).
• More Rice graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.