About

About Brandeis University

jewish heritage rootshigh research activitysocial sciences focusselective private universitystrong student faculty ratio

Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, MA, known for its jewish heritage roots, social sciences focus, and strong student faculty ratio. With an acceptance rate of 39%, Brandeis is selective, typically enrolling around 986 students each year. Brandeis is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1415–1510, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Brandeis offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $43,903 per year; the sticker price of $78,956 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Brandeis University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

selective

39%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1463
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 4.00 unweighted

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at Brandeis University

SATSubmitted score range: 1415 – 1510 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Brandeis University

Essay Strategy
Brandeis was founded on principles of social justice and academic freedom, so your essays should reflect genuine engagement with those values. Connect your intellectual curiosity or activism to something specific about Brandeis programs, faculty research, or campus initiatives rather than speaking in general terms.
Extracurriculars
Brandeis values students who cross disciplinary boundaries, so if your extracurriculars combine fields like science and policy, art and activism, or music and business, frame those connections explicitly in your activities list rather than listing them as separate unrelated pursuits.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Brandeis University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$79k/yr$13.4k
30k-48k~$79k/yr$15.1k
48k-75k~$79k/yr$20.5k
75k-110k~$79k/yr$26.8k
110k+~$79k/yr$54.9k

Not sure what Brandeis University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Brandeis University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Brandeis University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

86%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$53k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,021
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

41%White
19%International
18%Asian
9%Hispanic
6%Black / African American
4%Two or More Races
2%Unknown / Unreported
Gender43% Men · 57% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status81% Citizens and Immigrants · 19% International
Brandeis, Waltham Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch