Iowa state vs Brandeis — 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 (#501-600 vs #301-400). 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 Iowa state for: higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Brandeis 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
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 | Iowa state | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 10,462 |
| International students | 8% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 87% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 78% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $40 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Brandeis. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Iowa state or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Brandeis graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $77K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Brandeis?
Brandeis ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $57,507 at Brandeis.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern