Southern california vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 40.5% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #301-400). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $77K). Brandeis has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,080 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Brandeis for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 40.5% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1462).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $77K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 86%).
Brandeis has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,080 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 10,462 |
| International students | 27% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $85 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Southern california or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Brandeis?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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