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Brandeis University vs Mount Holyoke College

Brandeis University is a private university in Waltham, MA, and Mount Holyoke College is a private college in South Hadley, MA. Mount Holyoke College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 36% of applicants against 41% at Brandeis University. Mount Holyoke College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $26,441 a year against $35,736 at Brandeis University. About 86% of students graduate at Brandeis University, compared with 85% at Mount Holyoke College. Ten years after enrolling, Brandeis University alumni earn a median of about $77,231, against $58,418 for Mount Holyoke College.

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
South Hadley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,618
2,169
Acceptance rate
41%
36%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1520
1380–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,736
$26,441
Full cost / yr
$86,448
$84,926
In-state tuition
$68,080
$67,018
Out-of-state tuition
$68,080
$67,018
Application fee
$80
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,363
$10,882
$30k - $48k
$15,135
$9,526
$48k - $75k
$20,536
$17,394
$75k - $110k
$26,784
$24,247
Over $110k
$54,885
$38,561
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
85%
Freshman retention
87%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,967
$48,590
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,231
$58,418
Median debt at graduation
$25,648
$22,902
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
22%
First-generation students
16%
19%
International students
19%
20%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

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 Mount Holyoke College harder to get into?
Mount Holyoke College is harder to get into. It admits about 36% 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 Mount Holyoke College?
Mount Holyoke College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,441 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 Mount Holyoke College?
Before aid, Mount Holyoke College costs about $84,926 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 Mount Holyoke College?
Mount Holyoke College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,882 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 Mount Holyoke College?
Brandeis University is the larger of the two, with about 3,618 undergraduates against 2,169 at Mount Holyoke College.
Does Brandeis University or Mount Holyoke College have a better graduation rate?
Brandeis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 85% at Mount Holyoke College.
Do graduates of Brandeis University or Mount Holyoke College earn more?
Brandeis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,231 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,418 for Mount Holyoke College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brandeis University and Mount Holyoke College require SAT or ACT scores?
Brandeis University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Holyoke College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Brandeis University and Mount Holyoke College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1520 at Brandeis University and 1380–1530 at Mount Holyoke College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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