Rochester vs Brandeis - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Statistically these are twins: on every comparable axis the differences sit within the noise.
Real money goes to international students at Brandeis ($56,730 on average), while Rochester stops at $41,269.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Rochester lists $93,614 against $93,441 (Brandeis), but after average aid what remains is $32,735 against $35,934.
The SAT profile is practically identical (1470 against 1460), so a test score will not tip the balance either way.
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
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.08% vs 40.47% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #301-400). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($79K vs $77K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,284 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 Rochester for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Brandeis for: a higher graduation rate, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.08% vs 40.47% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1460).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $77K); Brandeis has a higher 6-year graduation rate (86% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,284 vs $70,957); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 40.08% | 40.47% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1460 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.72 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 10,462 |
| International students | 22.1% | 19.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $77K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $50K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 87% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $70,284 | $70,957 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $50 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.08% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.47%.
Do Rochester or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal - 10 years after enrollment, the median is $79K at Rochester and $77K at Brandeis.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,284 per year at Rochester and $70,957 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at Rochester and 1460 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Rochester or Brandeis?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid - Rochester or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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