AU vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU 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 American University than Brandeis University ($39,676 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 9.8% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,982 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 15.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $9,309 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at Brandeis University than at American University (about $9,309 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American University than at Brandeis University (67% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 17.9% larger than aid received by American University students ($42,841 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU 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 AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 90 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

AU vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU 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 American University's (77%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.