Rochester vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 40.5% 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 ($67,080 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 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 (40.1% vs 40.5% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1462).
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 ($67,080 vs $68,080); 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 | 40.1% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 10,462 |
| International students | 37% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $69K |
| 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 | $67,080 | $68,080 |
| 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 40.1% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
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 $67,080 per year at Rochester and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1462 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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