Virginia vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 40.5% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #301-400). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $77K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Brandeis for: a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 40.5% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1462).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $77K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 86%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $68,080); Brandeis offers a larger average aid package ($57,507 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 10,462 |
| International students | 12% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 87% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 100% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Virginia or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Virginia or Brandeis?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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