Brandeis University vs. Wellesley

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Wellesley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Wellesley? 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 Wellesley College than Brandeis University ($22,174 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 5.1% lower than at Wellesley College ($19,944 vs. $21,024).
• Brandeis University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wellesley (about $904 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,176.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Brandeis University than at Wellesley College (about $904 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,176.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Wellesley College (62% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 49.7% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($64,116 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Wellesley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 50 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Wellesley 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; Wellesley College 1460/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Wellesley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley 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 Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 47.6% at Wellesley.

Brandeis University vs. Wellesley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $18,100 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($8,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $187 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($92 vs. $279).
• More Wellesley 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.