College comparison

BU vs Brandeis

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	BU Boston, MA	Brandeis Waltham, MA
Acceptance rateBoston University is more selective	11%	41%
SAT (25–75)	1420–1530	1390–1520
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	18,248	3,618
Avg net price	$24,402	$35,736
Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings	$83,238	$77,231
Graduation rate	89%	86%
Median debt	$23,250	$25,648
Economic mobility	2.0%	2.0%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Boston University or Brandeis University harder to get into?

Boston University is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and Brandeis University's is approximately 41% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs Brandeis University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1390–1520 at Brandeis University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.