<p>Brandeis is a small university whereas NYU is huge. I live in NYC so I visited NYU many many times and it is so confusing to figure out your way through the school. The Village is nice if you want just the urban surrounding. Brandeis has the best of both worlds- a surburbs outside the city. Boston is really close so if you want you can travel to Boston in less than an hour. Academically, Brandeis in my opinion is stronger although NYU has more of a name recognition. Brandeis generally has smaller classes with the professors actually teaching the classes. NYU on the otherhand has huge classes with T.As (teaching assistance) teaching the classes. I know this because my friend goes to NYU. Both schools are great but in my opinion NYU is a little overrated and Brandeis is underrated. I hope this post helps you a little. However, like Sulsk said what are your academic plans and goals?</p>