Brandeis vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Boston University: 12.8% against 40.5% (Brandeis).
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Boston University starts at $94,427 against $93,441 and ends at $25,031 against $35,934 (Brandeis).
On SAT scores this is the same calibre of applicant: 1460 and 1470.
The fight for an admitted student is won more often by Boston University: 35% of them enrol, against 17.5%.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Boston University is the more selective of the two (12.83% vs 40.47% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #101-150). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $77K). Brandeis has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,957 vs $71,372 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: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston University is more selective (12.83% vs 40.47% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1460).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $77K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 86%).
Brandeis has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,957 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Brandeis | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.47% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 17.5% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1460 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 10,462 | 76,776 |
| International students | 19.3% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $77K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $52K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $25,648 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,957 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $57,507 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 94.5% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,004 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $80 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 5,205 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Brandeis or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Brandeis accepts 40.47% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Brandeis or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Brandeis vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,957 per year at Brandeis and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Brandeis or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1460 at Brandeis and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Brandeis or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Brandeis vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Brandeis or Boston University?
The average aid package is $57,507 at Brandeis and $69,396 at Boston University.
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