SCU vs. Brandeis University

Santa Clara University and Brandeis University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Santa Clara University
Brandeis University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Brandeis University (40.5% admitted vs 48%). Typical SAT 1460 vs 1420.
  • Cheaper after aid: Brandeis University. Average net price is $43,550 vs $53,883 at SCU.
  • Graduation: SCU 85% vs Brandeis University 91%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: SCU $81,900 vs Brandeis University $66,700 (median).
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Key differences

Santa Clara University Brandeis University
Acceptance rate
Brandeis University more selective
SCU48%
Brandeis University40.5%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Brandeis University higher
SCU1350-1490
Brandeis University1390-1520
Average net price
Brandeis University $10,333 less
SCU$53,883
Brandeis University$43,550
In-state tuition
SCU $6,787 less
SCU$61,293
Brandeis University$68,080
Out-of-state tuition
SCU $6,787 less
SCU$61,293
Brandeis University$68,080
Graduation rate
Brandeis University +6 pts
SCU85%
Brandeis University91%
Median earnings (10 years)
SCU +$15,200
SCU$81,900
Brandeis University$66,700

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • SCU 18,970
  • Brandeis University 10,462
  • Admitted
  • SCU 9,105
  • Brandeis University 4,237
  • Acceptance rate
  • SCU 48%
  • Brandeis University 40.5%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • SCU 17.7%
  • Brandeis University 17.3%
  • Typical SAT score
  • SCU 1420
  • Brandeis University 1460
  • Typical ACT score
  • SCU 32
  • Brandeis University 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • SCU 3.67
  • Brandeis University 3.84
  • Typical high school grades
  • SCU A-
  • Brandeis University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • SCU Exceptional
  • Brandeis University Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • SCU Low
  • Brandeis University Low
  • SAT range
  • SCU 1350-1490
  • Brandeis University 1390-1520
  • ACT range
  • SCU 31-33
  • Brandeis University 31-34
  • Submit test scores
  • SCU Test optional
  • Brandeis University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • SCU Jan 7, 2027
  • Brandeis University
  • Tuition (in state)
  • SCU $61,293
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • SCU $61,293
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • Room & board
  • SCU $19,893
  • Brandeis University $19,944
  • Average net price
  • SCU $53,883
  • Brandeis University $43,550
  • Average grant aid
  • SCU $28,368
  • Brandeis University $42,841
  • % receiving grant aid
  • SCU 71%
  • Brandeis University 62%
  • Graduation rate
  • SCU 85%
  • Brandeis University 91%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • SCU $81,900
  • Brandeis University $66,700
  • Making student loan payments
  • SCU 84%
  • Brandeis University 82%
  • Median student loan debt
  • SCU $21,500
  • Brandeis University $27,000
  • Median loan payment
  • SCU $222
  • Brandeis University $279
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • SCU 11:1
  • Brandeis University 10:1
  • Popular majors
  • SCU
    • Business (33%)
    • Social Sciences (13%)
    • Engineering (11%)
    • Communication (7%)
    • Psychology (6%)
  • Brandeis University
    • Social Sciences (26%)
    • Biology (13%)
    • Ethnic Studies (9%)
    • General Studies (8%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (6%)
  • Location
  • SCU Santa Clara, CA
  • Brandeis University Waltham, MA
  • Setting
  • SCU Midsize City
  • Brandeis University Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • SCU 9,728
  • Brandeis University 5,205
  • Type
  • SCU Private 4 Year
  • Brandeis University Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • SCU #61
  • Brandeis University #91

Comparable Facts

Compare Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA with Brandeis University in Waltham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Santa Clara University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 5,205 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
  • Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Santa Clara University are 0.3% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,893 vs. $19,944).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at Brandeis University than at Santa Clara University (about $6,787 more per year; $68,080 vs. $61,293).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Santa Clara University than at Brandeis University (71% vs. 62%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 51% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($42,841 vs. $28,368).

Admissions details

  • Incoming SCU students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 32) as students at Brandeis University (32).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both SCU and Brandeis University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Brandeis University average a 3.84 high school GPA, 0.17 higher than at SCU (3.67).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Santa Clara University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, SCU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
  • More SCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation (84% 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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