Brandeis University vs. SMU

Brandeis University and Southern Methodist University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Brandeis University
Southern Methodist University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Brandeis University (40.5% admitted vs 63.3%). Typical SAT 1460 vs 1420.
  • Cheaper after aid: Brandeis University. Average net price is $43,550 vs $48,179 at SMU.
  • Graduation: Brandeis University 91% vs SMU 75%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Brandeis University $66,700 vs SMU $73,000 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Brandeis University Southern Methodist University
Acceptance rate
Brandeis University more selective
Brandeis University40.5%
SMU63.3%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Brandeis University higher
Brandeis University1390-1520
SMU1340-1490
Average net price
Brandeis University $4,629 less
Brandeis University$43,550
SMU$48,179
In-state tuition
SMU $1,040 less
Brandeis University$68,080
SMU$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
SMU $1,040 less
Brandeis University$68,080
SMU$67,040
Graduation rate
Brandeis University +16 pts
Brandeis University91%
SMU75%
Median earnings (10 years)
SMU +$6,300
Brandeis University$66,700
SMU$73,000

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at Brandeis University and SMU with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at Brandeis University Check my chances at SMU
  • Applied
  • Brandeis University 10,462
  • SMU 15,245
  • Admitted
  • Brandeis University 4,237
  • SMU 9,657
  • Acceptance rate
  • Brandeis University 40.5%
  • SMU 63.3%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Brandeis University 17.3%
  • SMU 17.8%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Brandeis University 1460
  • SMU 1420
  • Typical ACT score
  • Brandeis University 32
  • SMU 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • Brandeis University 3.84
  • SMU 3.68
  • Typical high school grades
  • Brandeis University A-
  • SMU A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Brandeis University Exceptional
  • SMU Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • Brandeis University Low
  • SMU Low
  • SAT range
  • Brandeis University 1390-1520
  • SMU 1340-1490
  • ACT range
  • Brandeis University 31-34
  • SMU 30-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Brandeis University Test optional
  • SMU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Brandeis University
  • SMU Jan 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • SMU $67,040
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • SMU $67,040
  • Room & board
  • Brandeis University $19,944
  • SMU $19,064
  • Average net price
  • Brandeis University $43,550
  • SMU $48,179
  • Average grant aid
  • Brandeis University $42,841
  • SMU $37,520
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Brandeis University 62%
  • SMU 67%
  • Graduation rate
  • Brandeis University 91%
  • SMU 75%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Brandeis University $66,700
  • SMU $73,000
  • Making student loan payments
  • Brandeis University 82%
  • SMU 76%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Brandeis University $27,000
  • SMU $21,500
  • Median loan payment
  • Brandeis University $279
  • SMU $222
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Brandeis University 10:1
  • SMU 11:1
  • Popular majors
  • Brandeis University
    • Social Sciences (26%)
    • Biology (13%)
    • Ethnic Studies (9%)
    • General Studies (8%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (6%)
  • SMU
    • Business (22%)
    • Social Sciences (16%)
    • Communication (11%)
    • Engineering (9%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
  • Location
  • Brandeis University Waltham, MA
  • SMU Dallas, TX
  • Setting
  • Brandeis University Small City
  • SMU Large Suburban
  • Total enrollment
  • Brandeis University 5,205
  • SMU 12,116
  • Type
  • Brandeis University Private 4 Year
  • SMU Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Brandeis University #91
  • SMU #72

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 5,205 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
  • Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 4.4% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,064 vs. $19,944).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Brandeis University than at Southern Methodist University (about $1,040 more per year; $68,080 vs. $67,040).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Brandeis University (67% vs. 62%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($42,841 vs. $37,520).

Admissions details

  • Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 32) as students at SMU (32).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Brandeis University and SMU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: SMU Jan 15, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Brandeis University average a 3.84 high school GPA, 0.16 higher than at SMU (3.68).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
  • More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation (82% vs. 76%).

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

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Brandeis University
Southern Methodist University
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges