Brandeis vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Brandeis is the more selective of the two (40.5% vs 88.7% acceptance). Brandeis ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Brandeis graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($77K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,080 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, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Brandeis is more selective (40.5% vs 88.7% acceptance); Brandeis has a higher median SAT (1462 vs 1204).
Brandeis graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($77K vs $63K); Brandeis has a higher 6-year graduation rate (86% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,080); Brandeis offers a larger average aid package ($57,507 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Brandeis | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.5% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 17.5% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1462 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 10,462 | 23,095 |
| International students | 34% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $77K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $25,648 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $68,080 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $57,507 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 94.5% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,004 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $80 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 5,205 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Brandeis or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Brandeis. Brandeis accepts 40.5% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Brandeis or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Brandeis graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $77K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Brandeis vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,080 per year at Brandeis and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Brandeis or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1462 at Brandeis and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Brandeis or Iowa state?
Brandeis ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Brandeis vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Brandeis or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $57,507 at Brandeis and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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