UChicago vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Chicago is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

UChicago vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago 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 University of Chicago than Brandeis University ($28,060 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 0.8% lower than at University of Chicago ($19,944 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $2,582 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at UChicago than at Brandeis University (about $2,582 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at University of Chicago (62% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($62,300 vs. $42,841).

UChicago vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago 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 UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 90 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming UChicago 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: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

UChicago vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $31,800 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More UChicago 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.