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Brandeis University vs Williams College

Brandeis University is a private university in Waltham, MA. Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA. Williams College admits about 8% of applicants and Brandeis University about 41%, making Williams College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,716 a year at Williams College after aid, and about $35,736 at Brandeis University. About 95% of students graduate at Williams College, compared with 86% at Brandeis University. Ten years after enrolling, Williams College alumni earn a median of about $88,665, against $77,231 for Brandeis University.

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Williamstown, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,618
2,076
Acceptance rate
41%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1520
1490–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,736
$17,716
Full cost / yr
$86,448
$84,860
In-state tuition
$68,080
$68,560
Out-of-state tuition
$68,080
$68,560
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,363
$0*
$30k - $48k
$15,135
$0*
$48k - $75k
$20,536
$0*
$75k - $110k
$26,784
$3,030
Over $110k
$54,885
$49,594
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
95%
Freshman retention
87%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,967
$71,754
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,231
$88,665
Median debt at graduation
$25,648
$12,761
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
18%
First-generation students
16%
22%
International students
19%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

* 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 Williams College harder to get into?
Williams College is harder to get into. It admits about 8% 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 Williams College?
Williams College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,716 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 Williams College?
Before aid, Williams College costs about $84,860 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 Williams College?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 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 Williams College?
Brandeis University is the larger of the two, with about 3,618 undergraduates against 2,076 at Williams College.
Does Brandeis University or Williams College have a better graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 86% at Brandeis University.
Do graduates of Brandeis University or Williams College earn more?
Williams College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,665 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,231 for Brandeis University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brandeis University and Williams College require SAT or ACT scores?
Brandeis University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Williams College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Brandeis University and Williams College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1520 at Brandeis University and 1490–1570 at Williams College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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