Harvard vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 40.5% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #301-400). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $77K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 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 Harvard 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
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 40.5% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1462).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $77K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 86%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,080); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 10,462 |
| International students | 25% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 100% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $85 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Harvard or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Brandeis?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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