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Brandeis University

Waltham, MA·Private nonprofit·3,663 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $69,000 within 10 years; strong 86% graduation rate.

35%
Accept
3,663
Students
$33,885
Net Price
86%
Grad Rate
$69,000
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

Brandeis University is a private nonprofit institution located in Waltham, Massachusetts with approximately 3,663 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 35% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $33,885 per year. The graduation rate is 86%, and the typical graduate earns $69,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States. It is located within the Greater Boston area. Founded in 1948 as a non-sectarian, coeducational university, Brandeis was established on the site of the former Middlesex University. It is named after Louis Brandeis, a former justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

This is a strong option for students drawn to a research-focused liberal arts experience in a mid-size setting — the 90% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll tend to feel at home and stay. The 86% graduation rate and $69,000 median earnings 10 years out are solid, and the $23,250 median debt is reasonable relative to those outcomes. The 35% acceptance rate makes it selective but not out of reach, though the $33,885 average net price is a real cost to weigh carefully depending on your financial situation.

Founded
1948
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences19%
Social Sciences19%
Psychology8%
Computer Science7%
Mathematics6%
Business & Marketing6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
English3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Angela DavisEdward WittenRoderick MacKinnonKaren UhlenbeckFatema MernissiDebra MessingDrew WeissmanThomas FriedmanPaul L. SmithLeslie LamportGeir HaardeTony Goldwyn

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1473
Reading 75th %ile750
Math 75th %ile780

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite33

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,946
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,946
Avg Net Price
$33,885
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants14%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
86%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
90%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$69,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$69,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White42%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian17%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,663 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Brandeis University

415 South St

Waltham, MA 02454-9110

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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