“A research university with the soul of a liberal arts college — intellectually fearless since 1948.”
Brandeis University is a distinctive private research university founded in 1948 as a nonsectarian institution with a commitment to social justice, academic excellence, and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, just nine miles west of Boston, Brandeis offers an extraordinary combination: the research resources of a major university and the intimate, discussion-driven environment of a liberal arts college. As the youngest university in the Association of American Universities (AAU), Brandeis has built a remarkable academic reputation in a remarkably short time. The university excels in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities — with particularly strong programs in neuroscience, economics, computer science, international and global studies, and the performing arts. The graduate schools of Arts and Sciences, International Economics and Finance (IBS), and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management are all nationally recognized. Brandeis's community reflects its founding ideals: students are passionate, socially engaged, and committed to using their education to make a difference in the world. The campus culture is intellectually intense but deeply collaborative, and the Jewish-heritage institutional identity shapes a welcoming, pluralistic community that prizes open discourse and global citizenship. Boston's research, cultural, and career ecosystem — easily accessible via the MBTA commuter rail — enhances the Brandeis experience at every turn.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
QS World University Rankings
QS 2026
International Business (IBS)
US News 2026
Social Policy
US News 2026
Economics
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding early decision; highest acceptance rate
Early Decision II
Binding early decision second round
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$69,934
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The core of Brandeis's undergraduate education, offering rigorous programs across all major disciplines.
A specialized graduate business school emphasizing international economics and finance, open to undergrads through 4+1 programs.
A leading graduate school in social policy, accessible to undergraduates through dual-degree programs.
Offers BFA and studio programs alongside strong theory programs in music, theater, and fine arts.
4 years
Brandeis is internationally renowned for its neuroscience and brain-research strength — home to the Volen National Center for Complex Systems and the Brandeis–Boston-area neuroscience cluster. Students participate in faculty research as undergraduates; many continue to top MD/PhD programs. STEM-designated.
4 years
Brandeis's International Business School (IBS) offers a unique undergraduate Business major taught by the same faculty who teach the AACSB-accredited MBA. Heavy quant orientation, strong placement into NYC/Boston finance and consulting. Pairs naturally with Economics for finance-track students.
4 years
Strong systems, theory, and AI faculty; relatively small undergraduate cohort means substantial faculty access and research opportunities. STEM-designated for 24-month OPT extension. Boston-area tech ecosystem (HubSpot, Wayfair, Toast, Akamai) plus NYC and Bay Area placement.
4 years
Distinctive interdisciplinary major housed in the renowned Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Combines biology, public health, ethics, and policy — a strong pre-med alternative for students interested in healthcare systems.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $89,824
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
