US University · Ranked #50
Brandeis University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Brandeis University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a selective university with an acceptance rate of about 32%. Ranked #50 nationally in our dataset, it offers a realistic target for well-prepared applicants: strong-but-not-perfect profiles are regularly admitted, and a thoughtful application can meaningfully move the needle.
Brandeis is a research university founded on values of social justice and academic excellence, known for its strong sciences, international studies, and intimate campus setting.
This guide breaks down Brandeis's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Brandeis University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 32%
- SAT range
- 1300–1470
- Average GPA
- 3.78
- In-state
- $63,217
- Out-of-state
- $63,217
- Enrollment
- 3,688
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Waltham, Massachusetts
How hard is it to get into Brandeis University?
Brandeis's 32% acceptance rate makes it selective but realistically attainable for well-prepared students. Unlike the most elite schools, applicants who clearly meet the academic profile have a solid chance, and a strong application — coherent essays, relevant activities, a clear narrative — can be decisive rather than merely a tiebreaker.
For students at or above the school's academic profile, Brandeis is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Brandeis typically score between 1300 and 1470 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1300 and a quarter above 1470. A score at or above 1470 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.78 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1385 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.78. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1300) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Brandeis Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
Brandeis's Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, with Regular Decision on Jan 15. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Brandeis is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at Brandeis University
- Biology — a common pre-health major with heavy lab and prerequisite expectations.
- Economics — one of the most popular majors nationally and a strong feeder to graduate and professional study.
- International Studies — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Neuroscience — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
Brandeis is particularly known for Biology, Economics, International Studies, Neuroscience, and Computer Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Brandeis University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Brandeis charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,217 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Brandeis University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Brandeis University?
- Brandeis University has an acceptance rate of 32%, which makes it selective. For students at or above the school's academic profile, Brandeis is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
- What SAT score do you need for Brandeis University?
- Admitted students at Brandeis University typically score between 1300 and 1470 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1470 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1300 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Brandeis University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Brandeis University is approximately 3.78 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.78 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Brandeis University?
- Brandeis University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Brandeis University a public or private university?
- Brandeis University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Brandeis University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Brandeis charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,217 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.