Brandeis University vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Smith College 8:1.

Brandeis University vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Smith College? 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 Smith College than Brandeis University ($27,305 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 11.6% lower than at Smith College ($19,944 vs. $22,570).
• Brandeis University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $2,902 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Brandeis University than at Smith College (about $2,902 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Smith College than at Brandeis University (67% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 37.1% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($58,725 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 20 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Brandeis University vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Smith College? 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 Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $17,800 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.