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 gives you a solid but uneven financial return. The median graduate earns $77,231 ten years out while carrying $25,648 in debt, so most degrees pay for themselves over time. But the sticker net price of $33,885 a year is steep for a school where earnings depend heavily on which major you pick.
Computer science is the clear winner here, and it's the only listed program where early earnings ($80,309) comfortably outrun the debt you take on. Economics lands in a respectable middle. After that the numbers drop sharply. International/Global Studies and Political Science graduates both start under $46,000 while carrying roughly the same debt as the CS grads earning far more. If you enroll for one of those humanities-leaning majors, you're paying private-university prices for public-university-level early earnings.
The main risk at Brandeis is the gap between cost and payoff for its non-technical programs. Waltham sits inside the Boston metro, which helps CS and economics grads find high-paying work, but that same expensive region eats into the smaller paychecks of political science and global studies majors. The 86% graduation rate and 90% retention rate are strong, so the risk isn't dropping out with debt and no degree , it's finishing a low-earning major at full freight.
Brandeis works best for you if your family income is under $75,000. Those tiers pay between $12,366 and $17,974 a year, a real discount that makes the return worthwhile even for a modest-earning major. Above $110,000, you face the full $53,720 sticker, and at that price only the CS and economics tracks clearly justify the spend. If you're headed into political science or global studies and paying near list price, look hard at cheaper alternatives.
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.