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 Rate
33%
Application Deadline
15-Nov
Application Fee
80
SAT Range
1270-1480
ACT Range
29-33
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 Reviews
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”
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.
Brandeis University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Brandeis University?
18 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.
Brittany - 09/13/2019
This school is great for STEM. If you are student or you’re about to be a student at this school trust me you’re going to love it. Science, technology, Engineering & Mathematics those are there main majors. The school is calm also. Just try it for yourself.
Emma - 07/17/2019
I love it at Brandeis! It's not always your typical school- we don't have a football team, and parties aren't huge. But the academics and support system are invaluable. I've had opportunities here that I've only dreamed about, and I know I couldn't have had them at a bigger school.
Ruth - 06/13/2019
Brandeis is a wonderful university that truly promotes rigorous learning and academic achievement. Besides having met some amazing people - both students and faculty - with whom I was able to bond over common interests and from whom I learned a lot, I also gained insight into some fields that I never thought I would get the opportunity to study but that I found very interesting. The liberal arts philosophy of Brandeis allowed me, a math and computer science student, to take some classes in English writing, biology, psychology, Russian literature, and linguistics. Through my classes I formed a group of friends that I became very close with and who made me feel at home at Brandeis - 3000 miles away from my actual home - and met some incredible professors who not only taught me their subjects very well, but were also very kind and supportive in many ways. By talking to professors, graduate students, and fellow undergrads, I was able to get a chance to work as a research assistant in two different labs with two professors, which is an amazing opportunity for a first-year student. This allowed me not only to work hands-on with professionals and develop my skills, but also to see what the working environment of a computational linguist is - a field I'm considering going into for my career. When I came to Brandeis, I didn't know what computational linguistics is, but thanks to all the opportunities Brandeis provided me with I learned not only that it is a fascinating field, but also that Brandeis has one of the best graduate programs in this field in the entire country. Overall, I'm extremely happy with my decision to attend Brandeis and grateful to Brandeis and its community for making my experience here so worthwile and making me so excited to go back.
Konah - 12/29/2018
Campus facilities and housing are average, and renovations are regularly being made. Academics are amazing with small class sizes and teachers who are devoted to the student's success. The food could be better.
Over all a great school because of the culture of the student body and faculty.
Rachel - 08/17/2018
As a current student at Brandeis, during my time short time here, I have already seen a lot of improvement. With more admitted students coming in during the Fall, Brandeis has created new housing. Along with this, the campus facilities are always up-to-date and when issues arise, they are quickly resolved. The professors on campus are very present and active. The student life, while pro-focused on academics, is still present; especially during big events such as Springfest or FallFest. As a student, if approved, you have the ability to create any club you desire, and funding is provided by the Student Union. Speaking out against injustices is not uncommon at Brandeis. It is encouraged to state your opinion and fight for your beliefs. While the food options are not always vast, during the year Brandeis spices it up (pun intended) with chef competitions, holiday themed lunches and dinners, and other special treats. The Connivence store on campus is regularly stocked, and is a popular spot for students to go during the day and night. While athletics are not the center focus on campus, club athletics are very popular amongst students. Student jobs are also very popular and provide many students, especially Work Study students, the opportunity to earn money while on campus. In all, Brandeis is an excellent school to attend and when issues arise, it is a place where students are encouraged to speak their mind.
Kwesi - 08/08/2018
Brandeis University is a top institution where the opportunity to delve into academics is treated as precious. With this being said, extracurricular activities are plentiful and provide much needed breaks from academics. As an African-American student attending the predominantly white institution of Brandeis, most of the time, I feel included within the school culture and feel embraced by the inclusivity that Brandeis tries to foster. The campus is a quite rough terrain full of stairs and steep inclines/declines so be prepared to get some good calf workouts!
Xavy - 07/18/2018
Brandeis is pretty deserving of its name. There is a general belief in social responsibility that permeates the air. The academics are excellent and the professors are top of the line. There is always something to be proud of regarding the institution in terms of student, alumni, and professor accomplishments. As an alumni, I also think that they do a great job organizing interesting alumni events and networking opportunities of a pretty consistent basis. One of my only real qualms is that the on-campus food was kind of meh and the Castle living accommodations were scary, but they seem to be trying in the food department and the Castle got renovated just in time for my departure from the school.
Reyna - 07/09/2018
I feel that Brandeis is incredibly academic and social justice based, which is a personal breath of fresh air to meet people who are passionate and willing to fight for the same things you are. It is definitely one of the most accepting campuses I've ever been to regarding everything from culture to religion. It is really a safe place for those who feel judged, criticized, or want to pursue their dreams in the world.
John - 06/28/2018
I love this school! If there were a negative I'd offer is that the university isn't really "visitor friendly". Parking is tough and having a tour of the campus is difficult. That aside, I love my classes, my professors and the Brandeis experience. My classmates are all sharp and engaging, as are the professors. I would strongly encourage anyone to apply. For those who find going to an Ivy League university important, consider that Brandeis is every bit as challenging and a degree from Brandeis opens a lot of doors. For those mature students who are either changing careers or attaining a Master's to enhance their careers, Brandeis offers many MS programs that can change the course of your professional careers.
To parents of Ivy League aspirants, give this school serious consideration. You'll be happy you did!
Shania - 06/02/2018
I love Brandies, but probably for the same reason most people choose to come here and why they stay: the people. The number one thing that I hear is that people are nice. I don't mean that in the generic way that people say a shirt is nice. I mean that people take the time to get to know you. Their polite and care what happens to the people around them. They smile when they see you even if they don't know your name because it feels right to be kind to other people who go to school with you. The friends I have found here are some of the best people I have ever met. They care about their friends and the members of our community. They make Brandies and the world a better place just by existing. The food isn't the best, the teachers have their issues, the requirements are a lot, and the campus is a little outdated and missed matched, but that hasn't stopped me from loving it. I think that says a lot about a school. You want to be here even when things are hard. You want to be at Brandeis because it feels like home.
Sarah - 12/19/2017
Brandeis University offers students a variety of extracurricular activities and academic challenges to push students to achieve their full potential. The class sizes are generally small and the professors are concerned with student success. However, the residence halls on campus are sub-par; the roof caved in in one building and the heating is either non-existent or unbearable. Additionally, there are kosher options available on campus, which are often more appetizing that the non-kosher options on campus.
Mia - 08/02/2017
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Alicia - 07/11/2017
Brandeis University was one of my top choices when I was choosing schools my senior year in high school. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years to come. Of course, it has its hiccups in the system every now and then, but what college wouldn't? I wouldn't trade my university for any other school in the world!
Maia - 06/06/2017
Last year I attended Lasell College, a fine school, but not for me. I sorely missed the academic rigor, the intellectual conversations with peers and teachers, the social justice and passion for the arts that I experienced in high school. Brandeis is exactly what I sought for, including everything from incredible professors and students alike to a top notch theater arts department. The students are non-judgmental and genuinely friendly and accepting, the professors hold their students to a high standard of excellence, creativity and innovation are encouraged, and the learning never stops. It is the kind of school I thought I could only imagine, a community so kind and welcoming that I could only dream of, it is a place of true magic. College should be a time of exploration of both oneself and the fields they want to study and pursue, at Brandeis it is encouraged to explore widely and deeply, and because of this it produces intelligent and experienced students who are willing to make the world a better place.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Brandeis University is 33%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.39%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
