Brandeis University vs. Duke

Comparable Facts

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

Duke University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (17,499 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. Duke Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Duke? 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 Duke University than Brandeis University ($21,981 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duke University are 9.1% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,128 vs. $19,944).
• Duke University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $678 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Duke than at Brandeis University (about $678 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Duke University (62% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duke University students is 52.9% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($65,522 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Duke Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 80 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Duke 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; Duke University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Duke University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Duke - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duke Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duke 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 Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 58.8% at Duke.

Brandeis University vs. Duke Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Duke University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $42,200 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $19,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($7,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $202 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($77 vs. $279).
• More Duke graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.