Brandeis is a medium-sized, top-tier research university, which gives students a unique combination of resources and access. Brandeis was established in 1948 by the American Jewish community at a time when Jews and other minorities faced discrimination in higher education. Our visionary founders established a nonsectarian research university that has always welcomed talented faculty and students of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Our students build close relationships with faculty and a dynamic community of students as they pursue one (or more!) of our 44 majors and over 50 minors. Brandeis also prides itself on creating opportunities for undergraduate students to conduct research and independent projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The collaborative nature of our community gives students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research across a range of academic disciplines. At Brandeis, the path you choose is truly your own.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Jennifer Walker
Dean of Admissions
Dean of Admissions
Address
Shapiro Admissions Center
Box 9110
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Box 9110
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Phone
8006220622
Email
admissions@brandeis.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Shapiro Science Center
Mandel Center for the Humanities
Rose Art Museum
Usdan Campus Center
Gosman Sports Center
Mandel Center for the Humanities
Rose Art Museum
Usdan Campus Center
Gosman Sports Center
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Newbury Street
Fenway Park
Harvard Square
Museum of Fine Arts
Boston Common and Public Garden
Fenway Park
Harvard Square
Museum of Fine Arts
Boston Common and Public Garden
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and select Saturdays
9am-5pm
8006220622
9am-5pm
8006220622
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
M-F
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department
Advance Notice
3 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
sportsinfo@brandeis.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Email professor listed on the open class list found online
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
limited number of spaces for certain campus events
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Logan International Airport in Boston is 15 miles from campus. To get to campus, you can take a ride-sharing service, regular taxi, or airport shuttle and subway from the airport. The admissions website supplies information on these transportation possibilities. Greyhound buses and other bus lines serve Boston and the Riverside Terminal in Newton; from there you can take a a ride-sharing service or taxi to campus. Commuter rail trains from Boston bring you within walking distance of campus.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-90 (Massachusetts Tpke.) eastbound, take exit 14 for I-95/Rte. 128 and Rte. 30 exit in Weston. Follow the signs to Rte. 30 (exit 24); at the top of the ramp, turn left onto Rte. 30. Take the first right and continue to campus, which is 2 miles ahead on the left. From I-90 westbound, take exit 15 for I-95/Rte. 128 and Rte. 30. After the tollgate, go straight. At the top of the ramp, turn right; at the traffic light, turn right, and at the next traffic light, turn left. Campus is 2 miles ahead on the left. From Rte. 128/I-95 northbound, take Exit 24. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Rte. 30; take the first right; campus is 2 miles ahead on the left. From Rte. 128/I-95 southbound, take Exit 24. At the traffic light, go straight; campus is 2 miles ahead on the left.
Local Accommodations
The Courtyard Marriott (387 Winter St; 866-419-0999) and the Holiday Inn Express (385 Winter St; 800-824-2538) have a special rate for university visitors. The Best Western TLC (477 Totten Pond Rd.; 781-890-7800 or 800-424-2900), Double Tree Guest Suites (550 Winter St.; 617-890-6767), and the Westin Hotel (70 3rd Ave.; 781-290-5600 or 800-332-3773) are also close to campus.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
The admissions process at Brandeis is as comprehensive as it is selective. We consider your application holistically, but pay particular attention to three factors: academic qualifications, potential for social and academic success, and what you'll bring to the Brandeis community.
We look for students who are challenging themselves in the classroom. To be considered for admission, we look for a high school curriculum that includes:
Four years of English..
Three years of mathematics.
Three years of lab sciences.
Three years of social sciences.
Two to three years of foreign language(s)
Outside of the classroom, we look for how your interests, activities and passions align with the university's mission: to prepare active citizens who care deeply about improving the world. No one student can encompass all the diverse and unique traits that make up our student body. However, a few of the qualities we look for are demonstrated critical thinking, a commitment to community engagement, and perseverance and a growth mindset.
For a full list of required application materials and admissions policies, visit www.brandeis.edu/admissions/apply.
Overview
Applicants: 11,343
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Average HS GPA: 3.84
GPA Breakdown
31%
4.0
30%
3.75 - 3.99
24%
3.50 - 3.74
8%
3.25 - 3.49
4%
3.00 - 3.24
2%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
660 - 730
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
690 - 790
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1380 - 1490
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
30 - 33
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Decision II — January 1
Regular — January 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Class Rank
Academic GPA
Non-Academic
Character / Personal Qualities
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
10:1
Total Faculty
551
with Terminal Degree
447
295
Men
256
Women
66
Minority
26
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
2 - 9
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
80%
Graduate in 5 years
85%
Graduate in 6 years
88%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
East Asian Studies.
European Studies/Civilization.
French Studies.
German Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Near and Middle Eastern Studies.
Russian Studies.
Spanish and Iberian Studies.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biophysics.
Neuroscience.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business/Commerce, General.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
-
EDUCATION.
Education, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Comparative Literature.
Linguistics.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
International/Global Studies.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Experimental Psychology.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Health Policy Analysis.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, Other.
Sociology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
Situated just outside of Boston, Brandeis University is a phenomenal school that “teaches... the value of hard work, cultivates curiosity and [an] interest in learning, and introduces one to various perspectives.” Importantly, the university offers undergrads “the opportunity to explore every possible interest, from cupcakes to neuroscience, with the overwhelming support of faculty and peers.” Because Brandeis embraces a policy of academic “flexibility,” students feel free to “to study whatever they want.” There’s also an “abundance of undergraduate research opportunities in all majors.” Overall, undergrads here find their coursework “challenging” and “rewarding.” Inside the classroom, they are greeted by “engaging, insightful, and responsive” professors who truly make an effort to “relate to students.” As one delighted individual shares, “My current bio teacher is known for using memes in her lectures, and they’re usually pretty funny.” It’s also quite evident that professors “care for their students and want them to be successful.” To that end, they strive to make themselves “accessible” and “encourage students coming to talk to them.” Perhaps that’s why one highly contented undergrad asserts, “I strongly believe the professors are one of Brandeis’s most appealing aspects.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Doctoral
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Paul Anastas
Father of Green Chemistry
Deborah BIal
MacArthur Fellow and Posse Foundatin Founder
Adam Cheyer
"SIRI" Inventor
Thomas Friedman
3x Pulitzer Prize Winner & Chief Diplomatic Correspondent New York Times
Debra Messing
Actress
Tim Morehouse
U.S. Olympic Medalist in Fencing
Daniel Shapiro
U.S. ambassador to Israel
Academic Rating
88/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
80%
Graduate in 5 years
85%
Graduate in 6 years
88%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$72,700
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$153,600
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$75,000
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$153,200
Percent High Job Meaning
43%
Percent STEM
34%
Students Say
Hiatt Career Center at Brandeis helps undergraduate students and alumni implement career skills and strategies to develop and harness the adaptability, creativity, entrepreneurship, and resiliency needed to succeed in an ever-changing professional world. The Career Center works to create an ecosystem of partnerships and collaboration across faculty, alumni, and employers, allowing students to form relationships at all stages of their career education. This is made even easier via the online Rise Together Mentor platform, which is dedicated solely to connecting Brandeis students and alumni for advising and networking purposes. The center also offers position postings, industry meetups, job treks, company information sessions, discovery tools, on-campus interviews, and career fairs, and stresses the importance of experiential learning and adaptability of skills in the modern world. Brandeis is generous with funding for internship experiences; for example, the World of Work Fellowship program awards approximately $200,000 annually to undergrads who pursue summer internships with organizations unable to provide a salary. Brandeis alumni who visited PayScale.com reported a median starting salary of $70,000 with a median mid-career salary of $148,900, and 46 percent say their jobs give them a high level of meaning.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
At Brandeis, we're committed to providing the best possible college education — and to making that education attainable and affordable. Brandeis meets 100% of calculated financial need for students who submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Brandeis offers numerous scholarships and fellowships to students who have shown a capacity to achieve both in and out of the classroom. The best part? No additional application is required; students are considered for merit scholarships and fellowships when we review your application for admission
.
Financial Aid
At Brandeis, we're committed to providing the best possible college education — and to making that education attainable and affordable. Brandeis meets 100% of calculated financial need for students who submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Brandeis offers numerous scholarships and fellowships to students who have shown a capacity to achieve both in and out of the classroom. The best part? No additional application is required; students are considered for merit scholarships and fellowships when we review your application for admission
.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Jan 1
Notification Date
Apr 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$44,006
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$42,876
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,606
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
46%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$32,158
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$38,944
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$55,340
Required Fees
$2,221
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$980
Transportation for Commuters
$900
On-Campus Room and Board
$16,080
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
State Loans
State Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
94/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Brandeis is home to students from across the U.S. and around the world. Of our approximately 3,600 undergraduate students, 20% are international and 30% are students of color. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming to students of diverse backgrounds who come to Brandeis to learn not just in the classroom, but from each other too.
At Brandeis, you can continue your favorite hobbies and passions – and discover new ones. With nearly 200 student-run clubs and organizations, 19 varsity Division III sports, club and intramural athletics, and a wide array of community service activities, you'll be busy outside of class. Whether it's student government, Ultimate, a capella – or all three – you'll find countless changes to connect with your classmates and have fun at the same time.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
3,688
Foreign Countries Represented
56
Demographics
14.30%
Asian
5.27%
Black
8.32%
Hispanic
45.84%
Caucasian
2.39%
Unknown
19.82%
International
61% female
39% male
70% are out of state
100% are full time
0% are part time
Students Say
It’s safe to say that Brandeis students really care for their peers. After all, they rush to describe them as “intelligent, driven, [and] kind-hearted.” They also seem to maintain “a diverse range of interests (both academic and extracurricular) and are extremely passionate about everything they are involved in.” Moreover, undergrads readily admit that they “do have the tendency to be a little more on the introverted and nerdy side.” And they truly love that their classmates are often “quirky and a little weird in the best way possible.” As one student explains, “There is no normal Brandeis. I love that I can wear whatever I want because I know there’s nowhere where it will be a problem that I don’t fit in or feel judged. Everyone’s attitude is kind of ‘do whatever you want to/need to do.’” Given that openness, it’s not too surprising to learn that Brandeis students also report that their classmates are quite “friendly.” Indeed, a student reports, “Everyone here is very welcoming and supportive and they push me to try a bit harder every day, while offering support whenever it is needed without even having to be asked to do so.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Located just nine miles outside of Boston, Brandeis students have the best of both worlds: a close-knit residential campus with easy access to a major city. Home to 3,600 undergraduate students (5,400 including graduate students), our students enjoy our hometown of Waltham and all that Boston has to offer.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Our hometown of Waltham is known for its diverse array of restaurants on Moody St – including a campus favorite, Lizzy's Ice Cream – and also has a movie theater, used bookstore, and more. The Commuter Rail stop on campus takes students into Boston and Cambridge, allowing students to complete internships and research experiences, explore museums and the rich history of Boston, and attend sporting events and concerts.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
76%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
87/99
First-Year Students living on campus
99%
Campus Environment
Large Urban
98/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Coed
Students Say
At Brandeis, academics often take top priority. And first-year students quickly discover that “on weeknights the library is the most social spot on campus.” But fear not; undergrads here still manage to find plenty of time to step away from the books. In fact, we’re told that “Brandeis thrives on its campus club and student activities culture,” which makes sense given that there are over 200 clubs on campus to join. Many students can be found participating “in community service clubs, cultural clubs, electronics clubs, and religious organizations, do research in labs, perform in musicals and plays, participate in sport events, and play music in ensembles.” Undergrads also simply “enjoy the green spaces on campus and have fun connecting [there] with other students.” Once the weekend rolls around, “there are always shows going on, whether it’s theatre, a cappella, or improv.” Additionally, there tend to be “sports events and guest lecturers.” Undergrads also frequently attend “Greek life events off campus.” However, those gatherings are “not sanctioned by the university.” Lastly, students love the school’s “[close] proximity” to Cambridge and Boston. And since Brandeis has a commuter rail stop on campus and runs a free shuttle on weekends, both cities are wholly “accessible” and provide a great respite from campus life.
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Student Accessibility Support
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Beth Rodgers-Kay
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
No
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
No
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
2
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
No
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
224
Number of Honor Societies
3
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
15
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
42% participate in intramural sports
8% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Judges)
10 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Fencing
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Fencing
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Judges)
11 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Fencing
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Diving
Fencing
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Boston University
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Boston University
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Boston University
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Boston University
Sustainability
87/99
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
No
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
No
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
No
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
No
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Apple, Dell
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
