About Brandeis University
Students pay an average net price of $33,885 after financial aid, which is reasonable considering graduates earn a median of $77,231 ten years after graduation. That solid return on investment helps explain why the loan repayment rate reaches 82.87%. Students typically graduate with $25,648 in debt and monthly loan payments of $272. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $12,366, making the school accessible despite its $64,946 sticker price.
The student body leans female at 57.52% and draws heavily from out of state, with only 24.77% of students from Massachusetts. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small classes, while the 90.26% retention rate shows students are satisfied with their choice. Division III athletics means sports exist but don't dominate campus culture.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.1%
- Retention Rate
- 90.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,231
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $122,038 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $94,408 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $80,309 |
| International Business. | Master | $79,450 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,214 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $66,401 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $57,318 |
| Economics. | Master | $55,840 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $55,286 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $54,192 |
Campus Life
The campus feels like a small liberal arts college despite being a research university. Students call themselves "Brandeisians" and take pride in the school's social justice mission. The student body is 57.52% women and diverse, with 42.23% white students and strong representation from Asian (17.17%) and other communities. Weekend life centers around campus events, trips into Boston, or house parties in the residential quads. The Judges compete in Division III sports with 277 total athletes across 15 varsity teams. Many students get involved in activism or community service, reflecting the university's commitment to making the world more just.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,950 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1948
Campus Safety (2023)
36 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–35°F
- July Avg
- 61°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.5%
- Women
- 57.5%
- White
- 42.2%
- Black
- 5.7%
- Hispanic
- 8.2%
- Asian
- 17.2%
- In-State Students
- 24.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.4%
Location
- Address
- Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,231
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $76,579
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $272/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,648
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Brandeis University?
Brandeis accepts 39.41% of applicants, making it moderately selective among research universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1370-1530 on the SAT, reflecting the university's academic rigor and reputation for intellectual engagement.
How much does Brandeis University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $33,885, lower than the full cost of attendance of $85,042. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,366 on average, demonstrating the university's commitment to accessibility despite its high sticker price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Brandeis University?
Brandeis maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes typical of top liberal arts education. Founded in 1948 as a research university with strong undergraduate focus, Brandeis combines rigorous academics with close mentorship opportunities.
What do Brandeis University graduates earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $77,231 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The 86.10% six-year graduation rate and 92.9% employment rate demonstrate the university's success in preparing students for professional achievement.
Where is Brandeis University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Waltham, Massachusetts, housing 2,950 students in a close-knit community of 3,663 total enrollment. With 90.26% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly connect with the university's intimate academic environment and social justice mission.
Is Brandeis University known for any particular values or programs?
Founded by the Jewish community in 1948, Brandeis built its reputation on social justice and academic excellence with the motto "Truth even unto its innermost parts." The university attracts students committed to making a difference, as evidenced by notable alumni like activist Abbie Hoffman and journalist Thomas Friedman.
