Brandeis University vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with University of Rochester in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Rochester is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brandeis University vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or U of R? 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 University of Rochester than Brandeis University ($40,462 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rochester are 0.8% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,792 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $1,000 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Brandeis University than at University of Rochester (about $1,000 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Brandeis University (72% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 6.2% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($45,500 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or U of R? 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 U of R and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 20 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at U of R (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at U of R (3.75).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Brandeis University vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and U of R? 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).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 79%)

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.