SCU vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

Santa Clara University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

SCU vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU or Brandeis University? 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 Brandeis University than SCU ($43,550 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Santa Clara University are 0.3% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,893 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SCU (about $6,787 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $61,293.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at Brandeis University than at Santa Clara University (about $6,787 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $61,293.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Santa Clara University than at Brandeis University (71% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 51% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($42,841 vs. $28,368).

SCU vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 40 points higher than at SCU (1420).
• Incoming SCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Brandeis University (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at SCU (3.67).
• SCU has a higher acceptance rate (48%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

SCU vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Santa Clara University's (85%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Santa Clara University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SCU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More SCU 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.