College Comparison
Brandeis University vs Northwestern University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Evanston, IL
Total Enrollment
5,205
23,856
Undergrad Enrollment
3,632
9,399
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
40.5%
7.7%
Average GPA
3.82
4.00
SAT Range
1390–1520
1510–1570
ACT Range
31–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
10,462
49,474
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,308
$83,517
Avg Net Price
$33,885
$27,143
Tuition (In-State)
$61,724
$62,391
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,724
$62,391
Room & Board
$18,584
$21,126
% Receiving Aid
62.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,841
$64,429
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
96.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
87.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$77,231
$89,363
More Comparisons
Compare Brandeis with...
View Brandeis profile →
Compare Northwestern with...
View Northwestern profile →
Explore by Location
Brandeis is in Waltham, MA
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Brandeis University is $33,885 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $6,742 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Brandeis University typically score between 1390-1520 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Brandeis University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Brandeis University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Brandeis University, 62% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $42,841. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.
The median earnings for Brandeis University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,231, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA in a city: small setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.

