Campus Vibe
Strong graduate outcomes — known for biology
Brandeis University is a private institution in Waltham with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1473, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 3.7K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
86% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $77,231 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $33,885.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Brandeis University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1473
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by December 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by February 1
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by April 1
Supplemental essays required.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
71.7%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$23,250
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
26
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Research: Strong emphasis on undergraduate research across sciences, social sciences, and humanities
Programs (98)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
- •90% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Brandeis competes in the University Athletic Association as the Judges
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Notable Alumni
Angela Davis '65
Political activist, philosopher, academic, and author
Debra Messing '90
Emmy Award-winning actress, star of Will & Grace
Thomas Friedman '75
Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author
Mitch Albom '79
New York Times bestselling author of Tuesdays with Morrie
Roderick MacKinnon '78
Nobel Prize in Chemistry recipient (2003)
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Brandeis University sign Alpert had worked his way through Boston University School of Law and co-founded the firm of Alpert and Alpert.
- •Alpert's firm had a long association with the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, of which he was to become president from 1956 to 1961.
- •Alpert was chairman of Brandeis from 1946 to 1954, and a trustee from 1946 until his death.
- •By February 5, 1946, Goldstein had recruited Albert Einstein, whose involvement drew national attention to the nascent university.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Brandeis/Roberts commuter rail station on campus
Walkability
Walkable campus with commuter rail access to Boston
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Boston
Major museums, historic sites, shopping, and dining accessible via commuter rail
Waltham Centerwalkable
Local dining and shopping district
Rose Art Museumwalkable
On-campus museum with contemporary art collection
International Students
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