Brandeis University vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Union College 9:1.

Brandeis University vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Union 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 Union College than Brandeis University ($42,137 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 14.7% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,010 vs. $19,944).
• Union College is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $959 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Union College than at Brandeis University (about $959 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Brandeis University (96% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by Union College students ($42,841 vs. $42,534).

Brandeis University vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 60 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Brandeis University vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union College and Brandeis University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Union College and Brandeis University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.