Northwestern vs Brandeis - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Northwestern admits 7.7% of applicants, while Brandeis admits 40.5%.
The more international environment is at Brandeis (19.3% international students) than Northwestern (11.8%).
Average aid for an international student is $74,103 (Northwestern) and $56,730 (Brandeis).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Northwestern lists $96,182 against $93,441 (Brandeis), but after average aid what remains is $28,072 against $35,934.
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
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.69% vs 40.47% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #301-400). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $77K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,589 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Brandeis for: lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.69% vs 40.47% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1460).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $77K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 86%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,589 vs $70,957); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 7.69% | 40.47% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1460 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 10,462 |
| International students | 11.8% | 19.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $77K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $70,589 | $70,957 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 100% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.69% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.47%.
Do Northwestern or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,589 per year at Northwestern and $70,957 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Northwestern and 1460 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Northwestern or Brandeis?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid - Northwestern or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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