Understanding Brandeis University Tuition and Fees

For prospective students and their families, understanding the costs associated with attending a university is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of Brandeis University tuition, fees, and financial aid options, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about financing your education.

The Cost of Attendance: Sticker Price and Total Cost

Brandeis University's tuition is $70,957, making it more expensive than the national average cost of tuition of $46,950. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Brandeis University, the total cost is $88,864.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the total direct costs (tuition, fees, room, and board) for Brandeis University amount to about $89,824, with tuition alone being about $67,082.

A typical undergraduate student at Brandeis during the 2025-2026 academic year can expect certain estimated expenses for a full year. These figures have been approved by the Board of Trustees.

Read also: Academic Life at Brandeis

Breaking Down the Costs

Besides tuition, there are other costs to consider. The average cost of on-campus housing options is $11,960, and the food plan for students living on campus costs $7,984. Books and supplies are estimated to be $1,000 and personal expenses at around $1,200.

In addition to the above costs, students must also plan for the cost of travel. The above does not include the new student fee ($425 for domestic students and $600 for international students, charged in the entering semester only), the international student fee ($241/semester), the health insurance premium ($3,917; full year), or the senior/graduation fee ($100), if applicable. ^Please note that all full and 3/4 time students must enroll in the qualifying School Health Plan (SHP) or waive the plan and report their own comparable health insurance coverage. This is required by Massachusetts Regulations to assure that students have adequate coverage. The school is required to offer a qualifying health plan known as the School Health Plan (SHP). Any 3/4 and FT students attending an on-campus program can purchase this plan which meets Massachusetts, Federal, and Visa requirements. All international students will be automatically enrolled in the School Health Plan (SHP). The 2025-2026 School Health Plan (SHP) is projected to cost $3,917 for the full year and $2,440 for students starting in the Spring semester.

Even for students who may move off campus after the required first year, the estimated cost is still significant.

Understanding Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Brandeis offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid. The university is committed to meeting 100% demonstrated financial need of all its admitted students.

Financial Aid Statistics:

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 41%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 95%
Average Aid Packages Awarded: $56,841

Types of Aid:

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These don’t need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Brandeis University was $61,636.
Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $5,095.
Non-Need-Based Aid: Also called merit-based aid, this is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Brandeis University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $18,791.

Brandeis University met 94% of its students’ financial aid need. Additionally, 52% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.

Students eligible for the Brandeis Commitment may also qualify for additional aid, based on their family’s calculated financial need.

The Brandeis Commitment

Under a program called the Brandeis Commitment, the university will cover full tuition for students from families with total incomes of less than $75,000 annually with typical assets. It will also take on 50% of tuition for students from families earning less than $200,000 with typical assets. Tuition will be covered by a mix of grants and scholarships.

“The Brandeis Commitment aligns with what Brandeis has been about since its founding - enabling talented students from all backgrounds to obtain a top-tier education,” said Brandeis interim President Arthur Levine in the statement.

Net Price: What You'll Actually Pay

Average Net Price is $44,668 per year. Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Applying for Financial Aid

I would recommend using Brandeis' net price calculator on their financial aid page to estimate the amount of aid that you could receive. It's a relatively straightforward tool that takes into account both your family's financial situation and your academic achievements. Remember, though, estimations from calculators aren't guarantees.

Read also: GPA and SAT for Brandeis

Additionally, be sure to fill out the FAFSA and CSS profile, as both are used by Brandeis when determining your financial aid package.

Priority Application Due: Jan 2 (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.)
Notification Date: Apr 1 (When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.)

Understanding Student Loan Debt

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

At Brandeis University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $25,648. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $272.

Additionally, 6% of graduating students at Brandeis University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $58,221 in private loan debt at graduation.

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: $27,004
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 38%

Exploring Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.

Work-Study Programs and Campus Jobs

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.

Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

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