Brandeis University: An Overview of Undergraduate Demographics and Statistics

Brandeis University, a private liberal arts and research institution founded in 1948, distinguishes itself by offering the close-knit environment of a liberal arts college alongside the broad scope of a world-class research university. This article delves into the undergraduate population statistics of Brandeis University, providing insights into various aspects such as enrollment, costs, admissions, diversity, and academic outcomes.

A Brief Introduction to Brandeis University

Brandeis University is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, within the Greater Boston area. Established on the site of the former Middlesex University, Brandeis was founded as a non-sectarian, coeducational university. It holds the distinction of being classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Since 1985, Brandeis has been a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

The university's foundation is rooted in a commitment to social justice and inclusivity, values that continue to shape its educational approach. Brandeis aims to provide a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing real-world experience and career readiness for the digital age.

Academic Programs and Initiatives

Brandeis University offers programs through its Schools of Creative Arts, Humanities, Science, and Social Science. The university emphasizes an extensive merit scholarship program to support talented students in their intellectual pursuits. The Brandeis Plan to Reinvent the Liberal Arts pairs theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning, cultivating career-ready skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making.

Students work with academic and career advisors from their first semester, using tools like Futurenav Compass to connect their studies with skills valued by employers and graduate schools. Microcredentials earned along the academic journey highlight achievements in areas such as research, innovation, and digital tools, creating a verified second transcript of strengths alongside the academic transcript. The Center for Careers and Applied Liberal Arts serves as a hub for advising, internships, mentors, alumni, and emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality.

Read also: Academic Life at Brandeis

Enrollment Statistics

In 2023, Brandeis University had a total enrollment of 5,302 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. A significant majority, 91.9%, were enrolled full-time, totaling 4,873 students, while the part-time enrollment was 429.

Race and Ethnicity

The enrolled student population at Brandeis University is diverse, with the following breakdown:

40% White (2,119 students)
14.1% Asian (750 students)
7.64% Hispanic or Latino (405 students)
5.51% Black or African American (292 students)
3.26% Two or More Races
0.0377% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Gender Distribution

Among full-time undergraduate students, the most common demographic is White Female (24.5%), followed by White Male (17.8%) and Asian Female (10.3%). In full-time graduate programs, the most common demographics are White Female (19.3%), White Male (13.6%), and Asian Female (4.33%).

Admissions Data

In 2023, Brandeis University received 11,282 undergraduate applications, marking a 13.8% increase from the previous year. The university accepted 3,984 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 35.3%. The enrollment yield, representing the percentage of admitted students who chose to enroll, was 21.7%.

SAT Scores

Approximately 31% of first-time enrollees submitted SAT scores with their applications.

Read also: Brandeis University Costs

Costs and Financial Aid

The median undergraduate tuition at Brandeis University in 2023 was $64,348, significantly higher than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). The average net price, which factors in grants and loans, was $44,668.

Financial Aid

In 2023, 64% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 28% received aid through loans.

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2022, the default rate for borrowers at Brandeis University was 0%, with no defaults out of 616 total borrowers.

Retention and Graduation Rates

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Brandeis University is 90%, surpassing the average retention rate of 84% for similar Doctoral Universities. This indicates a high level of student satisfaction and success in their academic pursuits.

Graduation Rates

In 2023, 82% of students completed their program within 100% of the "normal time" (i.e., four years for a four-year degree). Additionally, 88% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 88% within 200%. The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 was Female and American Indian or Alaska Native, with a 100% graduation rate.

Student Life and Activities

Brandeis University offers a vibrant campus life with over 270 student organizations. While fraternities and sororities are not officially recognized, the university supports a wide range of clubs and groups, including 11 a cappella groups, six undergraduate-run theater companies, and various cultural, arts, and activism clubs.

Sustainability Initiatives

Brandeis University's Campus Sustainability Initiative aims to reduce the university's environmental impact. Students can also participate in courses with a "Community Engaged Learning" (CEL) aspect.

Athletics

Brandeis fields 19 Division III varsity athletic programs and sponsors 20 club sports. The university has won NCAA team championships in men's soccer (1976) and men's cross country (1983), as well as numerous individual titles.

Academic Resources and Facilities

Brandeis University provides a wide array of academic resources and facilities to support its students' learning and research endeavors. These include:

The Goldfarb Library: With more than 1.6 million volumes and 300,000 e-journals, the Goldfarb Library serves as a central hub for research and study. It also houses a large United States Government archive.
The Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department: This department houses unique and rare primary sources that support teaching, research, and scholarship at the university.
The Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies: Established in 1980, this center conducts research on Jewish life in the United States, spanning from basic research on Jewish identity to applied educational evaluation studies.
The Steinhardt Social Research Institute (SSRI): Created in 2005, SSRI collects, analyzes, and disseminates data about the Jewish community and about religion and ethnicity in the United States.
The Women's Studies Research Center (WSRC): Founded in 2001, the WSRC supports interdisciplinary research on women and gender.

Outcomes and Career Readiness

Brandeis University places a strong emphasis on career readiness, equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed after graduation. The university's approach includes:

The Brandeis Plan to Reinvent the Liberal Arts: This initiative pairs academic learning with hands-on experiences, fostering skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making.
The Center for Careers and Applied Liberal Arts: This center provides advising, internship opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality.
Microcredentials: Students earn microcredentials that highlight their achievements in areas such as research, innovation, and digital tools, creating a verified record of their skills and leadership.

The university's focus on career readiness has yielded impressive results. As of last year, 97% of the Class of 2024 was employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating.

Rankings and Recognition

Brandeis University consistently receives recognition for its academic excellence and unique educational environment. U.S. News & World Report ranked Brandeis No. 63 in its annual list of Best National Universities. Times Higher Education ranked Brandeis No. 10 in its "world’s best small universities" category. Additionally, its doctoral program in neuroscience and neurobiology was ranked tied for No. 2 among national universities by the National Research Council in 2010.

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