Brandeis University vs. SMU

Should I go to Brandeis University or Southern Methodist University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Brandeis University or SMU is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

Add a college to compare up to four schools

Frequently compared to these colleges. Click a college to add to the comparison. 

TCU Baylor UT Austin UT Dallas BU Northeastern BC Texas A&M Tulane Babson Bentley Rice
Brandeis University vs. Southern Methodist University comparison
Brandeis University Southern Methodist University College 3 College 4
Brandeis University Southern Methodist University
Remove Remove +Add +Add

Overview

Brandeis University SMU
Location Waltham, MA Dallas, TX
Setting Small City Large Suburban
Enrollment 5,581 12,053
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #90 #67
Religious Affiliation - United Methodist - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website brandeis.edu smu.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Brandeis University SMU
Tuition (In State) $61,724 $55,012
Tuition (Out of State) $61,724 $55,012
Room & Board $17,092 $17,750
Avg Net Price $45,565 $45,094
Avg Grant Aid $33,733 $35,344
% Receiving Grant Aid 64% 73%

Admission

Brandeis University SMU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 9,917 16,150
Admitted 3,908 8,439
Acceptance Rate 39.4% 52.3%
Enrolled % 25.2% 19.4%
Avg High School GPA 3.84 3.68
Typical High School Grades A- B+
Admissions Standards Exceptional Exceptional
Applicant Competition High Low
ACT Range 31/34 31/34
SAT Range 1370/1530 1370/1510
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Jan 15, 2025

Academics

Brandeis University SMU
Student to Faculty Ratio 10:1 11:1
Popular Majors
  • Social Sciences (26%)
  • Biology (13%)
  • Ethnic Studies (9%)
  • General Studies (8%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (6%)
  • Business (22%)
  • Social Sciences (16%)
  • Communication (11%)
  • Engineering (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)

Outcomes

Brandeis University SMU
Graduation Rate 91% 75%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $66,700 $73,000
Making Student Loan Payments 82% 76%
Median Student Loan Debt $27,000 $21,500
Median Loan Payment $279 $222

Diversity

Brandeis University SMU
% Men 43% 50%
% Women 57% 50%
Racial Diversity Very High Medium
HBCU No No
% White 47% 65%
% Black 5% 5%
% Hispanic 7% 11%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 3% 4%
% International 20% 8%
% Unknown Race 5% 0%

Students

Brandeis University SMU
% In-State 22% 38%
% Out-of-State 57% 58%

Campus

Brandeis University SMU
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No No
Daycare Facility No Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Southern Methodist University is larger than than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (12,053 students vs. 5,581 students)

Brandeis University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or SMU?

  • Brandeis University is 12.2% more expensive to attend than SMU for in-state tuition ($61,724.00 vs. $55,012.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 12.2% higher at Brandeis University than Southern Methodist University ($61,724.00 vs. $55,012.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southern Methodist University than Brandeis University ($45,094 vs. $45,565)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 3.8% lower than costs at Southern Methodist University ($17,092 vs. $17,750)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Southern Methodist University than Brandeis University (73% vs. 64%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 4.8% larger than aid received Brandeis University ($35,344 vs. $33,733)

Brandeis University vs. SMU Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or SMU? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between SMU or Brandeis University .

  • The average SAT score at Brandeis University (1360) is 30 points higher than at SMU (1330)
  • Incoming Brandeis University students have a 1 point higher average ACT score (31) than students at SMU (30)
  • 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 (52.3%) than Brandeis University (39.4%)

Brandeis University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Brandeis University or SMU? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between SMU and Brandeis University.

  • The graduation rate at Brandeis University is higher than Southern Methodist University (91% vs. 75%)
  • Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn on average $6,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates after ten years. ($73,000 vs. $66,700)
  • Southern Methodist University students graduate with a $5,500 lower median federal student loan debt than Brandeis University graduates. ($21,500 vs. $27,000)
  • SMU graduates are paying $57 less per month on federal student loans 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/