Boston college vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston college is the more selective of the two (16.4% vs 40.5% acceptance). Brandeis ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $77K). Brandeis has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,080 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Brandeis for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston college is more selective (16.4% vs 40.5% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1462).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $77K); Boston college has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 86%).
Brandeis has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,080 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 10,462 |
| International students | 12% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 87% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 100% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | — | $80 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Boston college or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Brandeis?
Brandeis ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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