Brandeis University vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Hamilton College in Clinton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Brandeis University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,031 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 12.2% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,510 vs. $19,944).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Hamilton College than at Brandeis University (about $880 more per year; $68,960 vs. $68,080).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Hamilton College (62% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($55,511 vs. $42,841).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at Hamilton College than at Brandeis University (34 vs. 32, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Brandeis University and Hamilton College.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Hamilton College average a 3.87 high school GPA, 0.03 higher than at Brandeis University (3.84).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation (90% vs. 82%).

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