Brandeis vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 40.5% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #151-200). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($77K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 graduation rate, lower graduate debt.
Choose Rochester 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
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 40.5% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1462).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $77K); Brandeis has a higher 6-year graduation rate (86% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $68,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Brandeis | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.5% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 17.5% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1462 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 10,462 | 21,384 |
| International students | 34% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $77K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $25,648 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,080 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $57,507 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 94.5% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,004 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 5,205 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Brandeis or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Brandeis accepts 40.5% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Brandeis or Rochester graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $77K at Brandeis and $79K at Rochester.
How much is tuition at Brandeis vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,080 per year at Brandeis and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Brandeis or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1462 at Brandeis and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Brandeis or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Brandeis vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Brandeis or Rochester?
The average aid package is $57,507 at Brandeis and $60,879 at Rochester.
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