Brandeis vs Boston college — 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 (#301-400 vs #501-600). 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 Brandeis for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition.
Choose Boston college for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
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 | Brandeis | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.5% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 17.5% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1462 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 10,462 | 34,779 |
| International students | 34% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $77K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 96% |
| Median debt | $25,648 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,080 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $57,507 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 94.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,004 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 5,205 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Brandeis or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Brandeis accepts 40.5% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Brandeis or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Brandeis vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,080 per year at Brandeis and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Brandeis or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1462 at Brandeis and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Brandeis or Boston college?
Brandeis ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Brandeis vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Brandeis or Boston college?
The average aid package is $57,507 at Brandeis and $61,753 at Boston college.
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