Brandeis University vs WPI: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Brandeis University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Brandeis University vs WPI at a glance
Brandeis University admits 40.5% of applicants and WPI 60.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,606 at Brandeis University and $43,885 at WPI. Six-year graduation rates are 81% and 90%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Brandeis University admits 40.5% of applicants and WPI 60.2%, so Brandeis University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,606 a year at Brandeis University and $43,885 at WPI; Brandeis University costs $13,279 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $10,028 at Brandeis University and $36,899 at WPI.
- 81% of students graduate within six years at Brandeis University, against 90% at WPI.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $85,519 for Brandeis University and $113,513 for WPI; WPI is $27,994 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,338 at Brandeis University and $27,000 at WPI.
- Brandeis University enrolls 3,618 students (small city) and WPI 5,447 (midsize city).
Side by side
Brandeis University and WPI in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Brandeis University | WPI |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 40.5% | 60.2% |
| Applicants | 9,796 | 11,092 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1390–1520 | Not reported |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | Not reported |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,606 | $43,885 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,957 | $63,246 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,957 | $63,246 |
| Cost of attendance | $90,169 | $80,569 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $10,028 | $36,899 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,371 | $31,014 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,007 | $35,703 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $27,870 | $35,535 |
| Over $110,000 | $50,519 | $48,711 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 81% | 90% |
| First-year retention | 87% | 93.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $85,519 | $113,513 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,338 | $27,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $208 | $307 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 3,618 | 5,447 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Waltham, MA | Worcester, MA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Brandeis University reports 33 bachelor's programs and WPI 37; 9 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Brandeis University vs WPI
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Brandeis University or WPI?
Brandeis University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Brandeis University admits 40.5% of applicants and WPI admits 60.2%.
Which is cheaper, Brandeis University or WPI?
Brandeis University has the lower average net price after grants: $30,606 a year at Brandeis University against $43,885 at WPI. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $10,028 and $36,899. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Brandeis University or WPI graduates earn more?
WPI graduates earn more at the median: $85,519 ten years after entry for Brandeis University and $113,513 for WPI. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,338 and $27,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Brandeis University or WPI?
WPI does: 81% of Brandeis University students graduate within six years, against 90% at WPI.
How big are Brandeis University and WPI?
Brandeis University has 3,618 students in Waltham, MA and WPI has 5,447 students in Worcester, MA.