Brandeis University vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Brandeis University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 405 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 4.2% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($19,944 vs. $20,810).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Brandeis University than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (about $1,682 more per year; $68,080 vs. $66,398).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Brandeis University (100% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students is 1% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($43,290 vs. $42,841).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Brandeis University and Olin College.
• Typical fall application deadline: Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Olin College average a 3.9 high school GPA, 0.06 higher than at Brandeis University (3.84).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $12,290 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($14,710 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($152 vs. $279).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.