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Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

3,663
Total Students
$65K
Tuition (In-State)
$65K
Tuition (Out-State)
$34K
Avg Net Price
35%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Graduation Rate
6-year
90%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Brandeis University

Brandeis: A dynamic private research university in Greater Boston, founded on unique principles.

Brandeis University, a vibrant private research institution nestled in Waltham, Massachusetts, within the expansive Greater Boston area, offers an exceptional educational journey. Founded in 1948, Brandeis quickly distinguished itself as a non-sectarian and coeducational university, born from a vision for inclusive higher education. It's recognized for its "Very high research activity" (R1 classification) and as a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1985, signaling its commitment to groundbreaking discovery and academic excellence.

The university's history is as compelling as its academic offerings. Established on the site of the former Middlesex University, Brandeis was created to fulfill a unique need for a Jewish-sponsored secular university welcoming students and faculty of all backgrounds. Named after the distinguished U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the institution's early days even saw the involvement of scientific luminary Albert Einstein, underscoring its intellectual ambition from the very start. This rich foundation fosters an environment of critical inquiry and open dialogue.

Academically, Brandeis provides a robust intellectual experience. Its Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers over 40 programs, including 18 doctoral options, with opportunities for cross-registration at other esteemed Boston-area universities like Boston College and Tufts. The university's faculty and alumni boast an impressive roster, including Nobel Prize laureates, a Fields Medalist, a Turing Award winner, an Abel Prize winner, and even the co-creators of the iconic television show "Friends," highlighting the diverse impact of a Brandeis education.

Life at Brandeis is characterized by a strong sense of community on its 235-acre campus. With a student body of nearly 4,700, undergraduates benefit from a personalized learning environment, while graduate students engage in cutting-edge research. The university actively champions free expression, having adopted official principles in 2018, ensuring a lively intellectual space where challenging ideas are debated, reflecting a commitment to truth in all its forms, as embodied in its motto: "Truth even unto its innermost parts."

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1948 as a non-sectarian, coeducational university, rooted in a vision for inclusive higher education.
  • Named after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, with early support from Albert Einstein.
  • Designated as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1985.
  • Boasts an endowment of $1.36 billion (2025 data) and serves a student body of 4,696 (fall 2025).
  • Its 235-acre campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, provides a vibrant learning environment within the Greater Boston area.
  • Notable alumni and faculty include Nobel Prize laureates, a Fields Medalist, a Turing Award winner, an Abel Prize winner, and the co-creators of the TV show "Friends."
  • Embraces intellectual freedom, adopting official free expression principles in 2018, and upholding its motto: "Truth even unto its innermost parts."

Timeline

1944
John Hall Smith, founder of Middlesex University, dies, leading to the search for a group to establish a non-sectarian university on its site.
1946
Albert Einstein agrees to involvement; the university is officially named Brandeis University, honoring Justice Louis D. Brandeis.
1947
The Middlesex medical and veterinary schools are closed, and Albert Einstein makes a final break with the foundation.
1948
Brandeis University is formally established on October 20 in Waltham, Massachusetts.
1985
Brandeis becomes a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
1994
The Brandeis International Business School is established.
2009
Brandeis announces controversial plans to close the Rose Art Museum (later reversed after public outcry).
2018
The university adopts official free expression principles to safeguard open dialogue.
2024
President Ronald Liebowitz resigns amid faculty no-confidence vote and campus protest controversies.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Brandeis University

💼

Brandeis International Business School

Established in 1994 (originally as the Graduate School of International Economics and Finance), focusing on global business and finance.

🏫

The Rabb School of Continuing Studies

Develops educational offerings across four distinct divisions, providing professional development, degree programs, and lifelong learning opportunities with over 4,000 enrollments a year.

🎭

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Offers over 40 programs, including 18 doctoral programs, with opportunities for cross-registration at other Boston-area universities.

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