Washington university vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 40.5% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #301-400). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $77K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 40.5% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1462).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $77K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 86%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,080); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $57,507).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 10,462 |
| International students | 27% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 87% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 100% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Washington university or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Brandeis?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $57,507 at Brandeis.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Northwestern
North carolina