Which offers a stronger academic experience overall, Arizona State or Brandeis?

For a student whose priority is consistently small classes, direct faculty mentorship, and a more intimate undergraduate academic environment, Brandeis is likely to offer the stronger overall experience. Brandeis is also a research university where undergraduates can pursue faculty-led research, particularly in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Arizona State can be academically excellent, but the experience is more variable because ASU is a very large public research university. Many students encounter large lecture courses early on, and building relationships with professors usually takes more initiative. At the same time, ASU’s scale creates extensive course offerings, research centers, specialized labs, and professional opportunities that a smaller institution may not match.

Brandeis fits someone who wants close academic community to be the default rather than something they have to seek out. For your stated priorities, especially class size and working closely with professors, Brandeis has the clearer advantage unless ASU offers a notably better fit in your intended major.