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Brandeis University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Brandeis University is a private university in Waltham, MA, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private institute in Cambridge, MA. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 41% at Brandeis University. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,111 a year against $35,736 at Brandeis University. About 96% of students graduate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, compared with 86% at Brandeis University. Ten years after enrolling, Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $143,372, against $77,231 for Brandeis University.

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Cambridge, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,618
4,535
Acceptance rate
41%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1520
1520–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
34–36
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,736
$20,111
Full cost / yr
$86,448
$82,730
In-state tuition
$68,080
$62,396
Out-of-state tuition
$68,080
$62,396
Application fee
$80
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,363
$0*
$30k - $48k
$15,135
$93
$48k - $75k
$20,536
$1,480
$75k - $110k
$26,784
$11,555
Over $110k
$54,885
$48,479
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
96%
Freshman retention
87%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,967
$131,633
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,231
$143,372
Median debt at graduation
$25,648
$14,768
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
19%
First-generation students
16%
26%
International students
19%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 4

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Brandeis University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology harder to get into?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 41% at Brandeis University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Brandeis University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,111 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,736 at Brandeis University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Brandeis University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Before aid, Massachusetts Institute of Technology costs about $82,730 a year and Brandeis University about $86,448. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Brandeis University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,533 there, against about $13,363 at Brandeis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brandeis University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 4,535 undergraduates against 3,618 at Brandeis University.
Does Brandeis University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology have a better graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 86% at Brandeis University.
Do graduates of Brandeis University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $143,372 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,231 for Brandeis University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brandeis University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology require SAT or ACT scores?
Brandeis University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Massachusetts Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Brandeis University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1520 at Brandeis University and 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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