Brandeis University vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Pennsylvania is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Penn? 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 University of Pennsylvania than Brandeis University ($23,570 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pennsylvania are 3.9% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,174 vs. $19,944).
• University of Pennsylvania is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $606 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Penn than at Brandeis University (about $606 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at University of Pennsylvania (62% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 52.8% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($65,458 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Penn students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 68% at Penn.

Brandeis University vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $56,900 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $6,367 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($20,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.