Brandeis University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Methodist University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Brandeis University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or SMU? 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 SMU ($43,550 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 4.4% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,064 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $1,040 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Brandeis University than at Southern Methodist University (about $1,040 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Brandeis University (67% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($42,841 vs. $37,520).

Brandeis University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 40 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at SMU (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Brandeis University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

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.