Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, just on the outskirts of Boston. It is a small university with approximately 5,600 students. Admissions are selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 35.3%. The most popular majors are Economics, Biology, Business, Psychology, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 89%, and the graduates have a median income of approximately INR 58,00,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from ~$69,000). Brandeis is particularly renowned for its excellence in liberal arts, social sciences, and life sciences, and it provides an intimate campus life with high levels of faculty-student interaction.
Boston University (BU) is a large private research university based in Boston, Massachusetts. It has around 36,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the region. It has more competitive admissions, with an acceptance rate of roughly 10.8%. Some of the most popular majors are Business, Communications, Engineering, Health Professions, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is around 89%, and BU graduates claim a median income of around INR 61,00,000 (ten years post-graduation, equivalent from ~$72,500). BU is well-known for its professional programs, international research, and city campus life, offering students expansive academic and networking possibilities.
| Brandeis University | Boston University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.8 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 741 QS World University 2026 # 198 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 88 QS World University 2026 # 75 Times Higher Education 2025 # 99 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 418 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020 | # 27 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 51 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 22 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -33 PG Programs -25 | UG Programs -98 PG Programs -136 Doctorate Programs -3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35.3 % | 10.8 % |
| Exam Score | SAT-1280 | Duolingo-115 GMAT-650 IELTS-7 SAT-1400 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 53260 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 50184 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29870 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 58560 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 58560 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 43030 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | 96% of graduates employed within 6 months of graduation.Top recruiters: Brigham’s and Women’s Hospital; Wayfair LLC; Children’s Hospital, Boston; Amazon; Apple; Tesla; U.S. Department of State; Nike.
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| application requirements | - | Academic transcripts; English proficiency results; documentation of financial support; Standardized Tests (ACT/ SAT are optional); 2-3 LORs; Resume; Written Statement; Teacher Evaluation; Additional Requirements (portfolios; audition; medical requirements, etc.) |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.5/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 14 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 100/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -58766 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -78102 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) | Oct 8, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) Dec 15, 2025 (Round 2 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) Dec 19, 2025 (Round 1 Decision Date for Fall 2026 Intake) Feb 4, 2026 (Round 1 Enrolment Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) Feb 27, 2026 (Round 2 Decision Date for Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 4, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline for Fall 2025 Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Round 2 Enrolment Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) May 1, 2026 (Round 3 Decision Date for Fall 2025 Intake) May 22, 2026 (Round 3 Enrolment Deadline for Fall 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Brandeis University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1948 | 1839 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 11:1 |
| Male:Female | 58% Male, 42% Female | 40% Male, 60% Female |
| Location Facts | 3 campuses; main campus situated along Charles River in Fenway- Kenmore & Allston neighborhood; BU Medical Campus in the South End neighborhood of Boston; Fenway Campus in the Riverway area near South Campus. | |
| Library | BU Library System consists of 21 libraries; houses 2.4 million physical volumes, over 45,000 current unique serials, 77,000 media titles; Mugar Memorial Library is the main library with other several specialized libraries with area-specific research collections. | |
| Campus Life | 500+ student clubs; fitness center; Agganis Arena (art entertainment complex); FitRec (270,000 sq foot fitness & recreation center); BU Beach; Morse Auditorium (Theatre); Marsh Chapel; Photonics Center; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL); BU Bridge | |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $11594 #On campus - $14906 #Off campus (with family) - $3370 | #Double - $19020 #Single with private bath and board - $24010 |
| City Life | Boston- world leader in higher education because of several colleges & universities in the area; 12th largest economy in the world (majorly based on finance, professional & business services, biotechnology, IT, government activities, etc.); Popular tourist attractions include: Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park, Beacon Hill, Harvard Square, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, New England Aquarium; Unemployment rate- 2.9% (Sept 2022). | |
| Weather |
Brandeis University vs Boston University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both are well-regarded private research universities in the Boston region but are of a different scale. Boston University places around 88 internationally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, whereas Brandeis University places in the 741 - 750 category. BU excels in business, law, medicine, communications, and international relations, whereas Brandeis is especially renowned for liberal arts, social sciences, Jewish studies, and life sciences with a profile more akin to a research liberal arts college.
General Information
Boston University, established in 1839, is a large urban private university with more than 37,000 students. It is recognized for its varied academic programs, global initiatives, and professional schools. Brandeis University, established in 1948 in Waltham, Massachusetts, is smaller with approximately 5,500 students.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Brandeis is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of about 35.3%, attracting those who seek a small, liberal arts–oriented environment. BU is more selective, accepting students at a rate of about 10.8%, because of its urban location and broad program offerings.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both are R1 research universities. BU boasts heavy research presence, particularly in medicine, health sciences, law, and engineering, with large hospital affiliations and international centers. Brandeis prioritizes research in neuroscience, social policy, physics, and the humanities, , although to a lesser extent than the extensive facilities of BU.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both cost close to the same amount in the range of USD 60,000–65,000 per year. Brandeis relies more on need-based assistance, whereas BU provides both need-based and merit scholarships. BU's financial aid packages are competitive, although Brandeis' compact size at times permits a more individualized approach to aid.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
BU graduates are well represented in business, law, medicine, media, and performing arts, taking advantage of the university's vast international network and Boston position. Brandeis graduates typically go on to graduate school, research, law, socially conscious careers, and teaching, enjoying a tight alumni network. Although BU graduates benefit from wider professional placement, Brandeis scores high in intellectually and socially oriented fields.
