Brandeis University vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt University than Brandeis University ($25,186 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 9.6% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($19,944 vs. $22,054).
• Brandeis University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $582 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Brandeis University than at Vanderbilt University (about $582 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Brandeis University (67% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 50.3% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($64,404 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Brandeis University vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $13,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($14,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($144 vs. $279).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.