About Brandeis University

Founded in 1948, Brandeis University. is a Private college. Located in Massachusetts, which is a city setting in Massachusetts, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,608 full time undergraduate students, and 2,121 full time graduate students.

The Brandeis University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 358 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Brandeis University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate33%
Application Deadline15-Nov
Application Fee80
SAT Range1270-1480
ACT Range29-33

Admissions at are considered More Selective, with ,56% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 7 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

99% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 94% were in the top quarter, and 64% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Brandeis University.

1%
“We”re apathetic”
4%
“We know about current events and vote”
53%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
42%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
43%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
44%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
21%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
78%
“I feel extremely safe”
73%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
26%
“We bought the gear”
1%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
24%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
32%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
59%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
9%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
20%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
72%
“We only party on weekends”
7%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
33%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
4%
“We know about current events and vote”
53%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
42%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
43%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
44%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
21%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
78%
“I feel extremely safe”
73%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
26%
“We bought the gear”
1%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
24%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
32%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
59%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
9%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
20%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
72%
“We only party on weekends”
7%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
33%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Brandeis University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    98 Students rated on-campus housing 3.1 stars. 4 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    73 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    98 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 8 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    96 Students rated campus facilities 3.6 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    96 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    96 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    98 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    96 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Brandeis University?

21 Students rated Brandeis University

Agatha - 05/25/2023

I actually love Brandeis. I wasn't sure that I loved it the first year that I went here, but as I completed my sophomore year, I became aware of the amazing friends I had made and the new passions I'd started to work towards (particularly psychology and club ultimate frisbee). It isn't perfect: the food could be a little better and the housing lottery could be structured differently, but I absolutely love the people here. The professors are extremely helpful and incredibly qualified. It's so great to be taught by some of these distinguished individuals. And the students are all very friendly. There's a club on campus for anyone. Brandeis really feels like home.

Minnie

Brandeis is a great school with a warm atmosphere and plenty of friendly people.

Ivonne

Brandeis University is an amazing school ! The students are friendly and kind. The professors are available and very helpful, and the staff is always there to help with anything you need. The campus is beautiful, especially during the fall, and there is always something to do for everyone.

Liz

Brandeis was a great place for academics, research, extracurricular activities, and meeting people who were interested in and passionate about the same things you were. I love the friends I made there. The campus has a very small-campus feel, which has its own set of pros and cons. It's a unique place, where people are willing to stand for a cause they believe in, and that's great. It's a community -- but that means you will see the same people constantly. The food and housing could be improved, but it's college, so there's not much to expect there. I wish there were more options for transportation other than shuttles and buses that run on inconvenient schedules. Overall, great experience!

Brandeis University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Brandeis University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Brandeis University is 33%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    When I was high school age, I lived in a very conservative Mennonite community. If I would have chosen to go past the ninth grade, the expected age to stop high school, I would most likely have had to defy my parents’ wishes. Basically, the attitude was that “higher education” was unnecessary, and that we could survive quite well in the world without it. My peers also would have thought I was a little strange, perhaps even conceited, if I would have chosen to finish high school. The advice I would give my high school self is: “Do not let peer pressure define what you do. Just because something is the accepted thing to do does not mean it is the wisest thing to do. Learn to evaluate things for yourself. Sometimes that means doing things that are considered strange or different.” “Never undervalue the strengths of your community, but realize that your community does not have all the answers. Do not be too proud to admit the flaws of your community. Be brave enough to challenge those weaknesses and to not be defined by them.”

    Read all  102 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are definitely unique and diverse, a good amount of them are very outspoken while a lot of them are shy.

    Read all  74 answers
  4. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Ugly Girls, Bad Party Scene, Nerdy Kids, Students study a lot, Tons of jews

    Read all  57 answers
  5. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    EXTREMELY friendly, as a rule. Rare indeed is the asshole Brandeis student. Brandeis certainly doesn't have a huge party scene (for which personally I am very thankful), but there are plenty of parties that happen on campus every week. Even if those aren't enough, there's Bentley and Boston. Brandeis is also very nerdy: if you are interested in non-mainstream activities, this is the place for you. There are about a dozen a cappella groups, and a surprising large contingent of roleplayers: Dungeons and Dragons, LARPs, and that sort of thing. The Jewishness is a constant presence, but never overwhelming or oppressive. Not really as awkward as we joke that we are. It's true that lots of people picked Brandeis because they didn't get into the Ivies (including myself), but it is a great school in and of itself, and personally I can't imagine wanting to go anywhere else.

    Read all  56 answers
  6. What are the academics like at your school?

    Most professors know my name, but I speak up in class. Education is definitely geared toward learning for its own sake, which I LOVE. Discussions can be fantastic! I wish I could spend more time with professors outside of class, and most of the professors seem to want to spend time with students outside of class as well. Students spend a lot of time studying.

    Read all  54 answers
  7. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    So much to do, if you just go out and look for it! Classes tend to be interesting, and there are plenty of student clubs to fill your time. The faculty is generally friendly and approachable. Sometimes you can just wander around exploring the campus -- it's not large, but it is very beautiful. To address the questions: best thing is the friendly people. I would change the structure of the meal plan: too complicated, and the food isn't terrific (but it's not half bad, either). I think the size of the school is just right. The general problem of a small school is that you see a lot of people you don't like -- but with such friendly people, there is almost NO ONE I dislike. I spend most of my time running from place to place with my various activities. I suppose I'm mostly in rehearsal. Biggest recent controversy regarded censorship of a well-loved professor, and nearly the entire campus rose up in protest. Not a whole lot of school pride, per se, but most of my friends are glad to be going here.

    Read all  54 answers
  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    A CAPPELLA and THEATER are the two biggest consumers of students' time. So many shows, so many rehearsals! Athletic events are basically dead. Frats and sororities exist, even though the school doesn't officially recognize them, but they have a very small presence on campus.

    Read all  49 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It has a large Jewish community for a small school.

    Read all  33 answers
  10. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Brandeis University is the place where I feel like I can be somebody, that I mean something to someome, and that I can be myself.

    Read all  26 answers
  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Party-goers, slackers, druggies and people with antisocial tendencies will find themselves a minority at Brandeis. Your average student is an overachiever, interested in many fields, uses drugs sparingly, socially, or not at all, and is a friendly, happy person. If someone prefers to keep to him or herself and doesn't want any sort of contact, Brandeis is not for that person.

    Read all  23 answers
  12. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I didn't know that the campus was predominately Jewish before I came here, not that that would have changed my decision to attend, but to be prepared for a slight culture shock would have been nice.

    Read all  19 answers
  13. What's unique about your campus?

    I love how the student population is so involved and active on campus. There are so many different clubs, activities, and organizations for just about every interest, so it's really easy to try something new, and most of the clubs are extremely welcoming of new participants. It's the same way with classes - it's really easy to take a class in a department you've never tried before and the professors are very friendly and accomodating.

    Read all  19 answers
  14. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is willing to accept that it is Brandeis' quirks that truly makes it a special environment.

    Read all  15 answers
  15. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    One of the most furstrating things about my school is the fact that they attract you by promising big scholarships. They do keep their word when they promised these prospective students scholarships, however with each preceding academic year they slowly strip more and more money away. And not just a couple of dollars, but a couple of thousands of dollars per year. The reason why this strategy is so decietful is because by that point in your academic career if you don't catch on fast enough you'll have become too attached to the community to want to leave.

    Read all  15 answers
  16. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about Brandeis is the brutal cold winter this year.

    Read all  13 answers
  17. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Brandeis is often known as the "Jewish school," but it is a secular school, no longer majority Jewish and that does not define the school's activities or policies anymore than schools with similar demographics. It is also known for the SmartBalance brand of butter, partially developed at the school (we call it Brandeis butter).

    Read all  11 answers
  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Brandeis students have a reputation of being pretty weird, and that can definitely be true, but no matter what type of personality you have, there's a group for you. The students here aren't weirder than kids at other schools, just more comfortable with themselves and more willing to show their true colors. People, of course, try to put their best foot forward when meeting new people, but are quick to show their real selves, making for less shallow and more meaningful relationships. Rather than being liked for qualities that make people popular in most high schools, Brandeis students are likable for being loyal, honest friends.

    Read all  10 answers
  19. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I probably brag most about the types of classes offered at Brandeis and the tremendous privilege I have receieved by being able to attend the University.

    Read all  9 answers
  20. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    If you're looking to attend high-stakes football games with thousands of cheering students with painted faces, you need to be somewhere else. It's not that our teams are bad, it's more that the student body isn't interested. However, the athletes' are playing at a college level and any game you attend will be entertaining. (There just might not be a huge group of fans watching with you.) Intramural sports are possibly more of a big deal than division sports. The frisbee and soccer teams are always crowded. There are many options and all the teams are really accessible.

    Read all  5 answers
  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I decided on Brandeis because of it's proximity to Boston without being in the center of the city. I also liked the friendliness of the student body and the size of the school. Brandeis is big enough that you can meet new people all the time, but never feels overwhelming and anonymous.

    Read all  4 answers

Student Body

Students

58%

female

42%

male

3,608

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,121

Total Grad Students

57%

Out-Of-State

24%

In-State

19%

International

Organizations

279

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

50%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
13%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
8%
% White or Caucasian
46%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

63% of students attending Brandeis University receive some sort of financial aid. 16% were awarded federal grants. While 39% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$51,245

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$14,380

Room and Board

66,625

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$13,395
$30 - $48K
$14,673
$48 - $75K
$26,730
$75 - $110K
$28,411
$110K & UP
$48,839

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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