Iowa State vs Brandeis - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Brandeis admits 40.5% of applicants, while Iowa State admits 88.7%.
The more international environment is at Brandeis (19.3% international students) than Iowa State (3.7%).
Average aid for an international student is $56,730 (Brandeis) and $12,582 (Iowa State).
The cheaper tuition belongs to Iowa State: $28,881 against $70,957, or $42,076 less a year.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Brandeis is the more selective of the two (40.47% vs 88.66% 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 $70,957 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 (40.47% vs 88.66% acceptance); Brandeis has a higher median SAT (1460 vs 1250).
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 $70,957); 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 | 88.66% | 40.47% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1460 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.75 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 10,462 |
| International students | 3.7% | 19.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $77K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $52K |
| 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 | $70,957 |
| 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 88.66% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.47%.
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 $70,957 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa State or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Iowa State and 1460 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.
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