At $33,885/yr net price, Brandeis University graduates earn $77,231/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $43,231/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,885 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $135,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,231/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$43,231/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,648 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,366/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,077/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,974/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,231/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,720/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Computer Science. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $80,309 | $26,142 |
| International Business. | Master | $79,450 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,214 | $48,240 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $66,401 | $25,295 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Economics. | Master | $55,840 | $28,500 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $55,286 | $41,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $54,192 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
86.1% of students at Brandeis University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Brandeis University delivers solid financial returns, with graduates earning above-average salaries that justify the investment for most students. Your $33,885 annual net price translates to strong earning potential, particularly if you target the right majors.
Computer science and technology programs offer the clearest path to financial success at Brandeis. Computer and Information Technology Administration graduates earn $122,038 annually, making this one of the highest-paying programs in the region. Traditional computer science majors also perform well at $94,408, with manageable debt loads around $26,000.
Business programs show mixed results. International business graduates earn $79,450, providing decent returns, but general business administration majors face a concerning debt-to-earnings ratio with $48,240 in debt against $72,214 in earnings. This program requires careful consideration of your financial situation.
Brandeis presents lower financial risk than most private universities. The high graduation rate of 86% means you're likely to complete your degree, and the median debt of $25,648 remains manageable compared to typical private school burdens. Only 14% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting the school serves primarily full-pay families or offers substantial merit aid to middle-income students.
This university works best financially if you can pursue computer science or technology fields, or if your family can afford the costs without significant borrowing. Students planning liberal arts majors should carefully weigh the debt load against their career goals. The strong alumni network and Boston-area location provide job market advantages that help justify the investment for career-focused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brandeis University worth the cost for computer science?
Brandeis computer science graduates earn $94,408 annually, which is strong ROI given the $33,885 net price and typical $25,648 debt load. The program pays for itself within a reasonable timeframe compared to many liberal arts schools.
What is the return on investment for a Brandeis University degree?
Brandeis graduates earn $77,231 after 10 years with median debt of $25,648, producing decent but not exceptional ROI. Tech and business programs perform better than humanities, with computer administration graduates earning $122,038.
How much debt do Brandeis University students graduate with?
The median debt at Brandeis is $25,648, which is manageable given average graduate earnings of $77,231. Students in high-paying programs like computer science can handle this debt load, but those in lower-earning fields may struggle.
Does Brandeis University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $33,885 after aid, Brandeis offers solid financial support that makes the degree more affordable. The 86% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their degrees without excessive borrowing.