Brandeis University vs. Williams

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Williams based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Williams College is in Williamstown, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Williams College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Williams College 6:1.

Brandeis University vs. Williams Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Williams? 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 Williams College than Brandeis University ($15,894 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Williams College are 13.5% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,260 vs. $19,944).
• Williams College is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $480 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Williams than at Brandeis University (about $480 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Williams College (62% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams College students is 61% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($68,966 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Williams Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams College (1530) is 70 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Williams 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; Williams College 1490/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Williams College 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Williams - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Williams Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Williams students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Williams (8.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 43% at Williams.

Brandeis University vs. Williams Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Williams College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Williams College earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,600 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams College graduates have a $12,418 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($14,582 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Williams graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($150 vs. $279).
• More Williams 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.