Brandeis University vs. Vassar

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Vassar based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Vassar College is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Vassar College 7:1.

Brandeis University vs. Vassar Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Vassar? 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 Vassar College than Brandeis University ($29,981 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Vassar College are 8.5% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,240 vs. $19,944).
• Vassar College is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $2,950 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Vassar than at Brandeis University (about $2,950 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Vassar College (62% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 34.1% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($57,443 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Vassar Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 40 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Vassar 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; Vassar College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Vassar College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Vassar - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vassar Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 28.8% at Vassar.

Brandeis University vs. Vassar Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Brandeis University is the same as at Vassar College (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Vassar graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $11,220 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($15,780 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($163 vs. $279).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.