Brandeis University vs. RPI

Brandeis University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Brandeis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Brandeis University (40.5% admitted vs 63.5%). Typical SAT 1460 vs 1440.
  • Cheaper after aid: RPI. Average net price is $38,887 vs $43,550 at Brandeis University.
  • Graduation: Brandeis University 91% vs RPI 84%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Brandeis University $66,700 vs RPI $82,500 (median).
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Key differences

Brandeis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Acceptance rate
Brandeis University more selective
Brandeis University40.5%
RPI63.5%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Brandeis University higher
Brandeis University1390-1520
RPI1375-1510
Average net price
RPI $4,663 less
Brandeis University$43,550
RPI$38,887
In-state tuition
RPI $3,999 less
Brandeis University$68,080
RPI$64,081
Out-of-state tuition
RPI $3,999 less
Brandeis University$68,080
RPI$64,081
Graduation rate
Brandeis University +7 pts
Brandeis University91%
RPI84%
Median earnings (10 years)
RPI +$15,800
Brandeis University$66,700
RPI$82,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Brandeis University 10,462
  • RPI 17,175
  • Admitted
  • Brandeis University 4,237
  • RPI 10,901
  • Acceptance rate
  • Brandeis University 40.5%
  • RPI 63.5%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Brandeis University 17.3%
  • RPI 12.1%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Brandeis University 1460
  • RPI 1440
  • Typical ACT score
  • Brandeis University 32
  • RPI 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • Brandeis University 3.84
  • RPI 3.88
  • Typical high school grades
  • Brandeis University A-
  • RPI A
  • Admissions standards
  • Brandeis University Exceptional
  • RPI Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • Brandeis University Low
  • RPI Low
  • SAT range
  • Brandeis University 1390-1520
  • RPI 1375-1510
  • ACT range
  • Brandeis University 31-34
  • RPI 30-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Brandeis University Test optional
  • RPI Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Brandeis University
  • RPI Jan 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • RPI $64,081
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • RPI $64,081
  • Room & board
  • Brandeis University $19,944
  • RPI $18,120
  • Average net price
  • Brandeis University $43,550
  • RPI $38,887
  • Average grant aid
  • Brandeis University $42,841
  • RPI $43,517
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Brandeis University 62%
  • RPI 95%
  • Graduation rate
  • Brandeis University 91%
  • RPI 84%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Brandeis University $66,700
  • RPI $82,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • Brandeis University 82%
  • RPI 92%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Brandeis University $27,000
  • RPI $27,500
  • Median loan payment
  • Brandeis University $279
  • RPI $284
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Brandeis University 10:1
  • RPI 14:1
  • Popular majors
  • Brandeis University
    • Social Sciences (26%)
    • Biology (13%)
    • Ethnic Studies (9%)
    • General Studies (8%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (6%)
  • RPI
    • Engineering (53%)
    • Computer and Information Sciences (9%)
    • Business (8%)
    • Engineering Technology (5%)
    • Architecture (5%)
  • Location
  • Brandeis University Waltham, MA
  • RPI Troy, NY
  • Setting
  • Brandeis University Small City
  • RPI Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • Brandeis University 5,205
  • RPI 7,040
  • Type
  • Brandeis University Private 4 Year
  • RPI Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Brandeis University #91
  • RPI #130

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 5,205 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
  • Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are 9.1% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,120 vs. $19,944).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Brandeis University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (about $3,999 more per year; $68,080 vs. $64,081).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than at Brandeis University (95% vs. 62%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 1.6% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($43,517 vs. $42,841).

Admissions details

  • Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 32) as students at RPI (32).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Brandeis University and RPI.
  • Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at RPI average a 3.88 high school GPA, 0.04 higher than at Brandeis University (3.84).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
  • Among borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($279 vs. $284).
  • More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation (92% vs. 82%).

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

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