Brandeis vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 40.5% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $77K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 larger aid package.
Choose Virginia 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
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 40.5% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1462).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $77K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 86%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $68,080); Brandeis offers a larger average aid package ($57,507 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Brandeis | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.5% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 17.5% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1462 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 10,462 | 58,951 |
| International students | 34% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $77K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $25,648 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,080 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $57,507 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 94.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,004 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 5,205 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Brandeis or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Brandeis accepts 40.5% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Brandeis or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Brandeis vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,080 per year at Brandeis and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Brandeis or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1462 at Brandeis and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Brandeis or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Brandeis vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Brandeis or Virginia?
The average aid package is $57,507 at Brandeis and $37,123 at Virginia.
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