Overview of Brandeis University
Brandeis University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a private research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and a diverse and inclusive community. Established in 1948, the university was founded with the goal of providing a space for individuals of all backgrounds to engage in intellectual pursuits and contribute to society.
Academic Excellence: Brandeis University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into several schools and colleges, including the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, and the International Business School. Brandeis’s academic offerings span fields such as the arts and sciences, business, social policy, and international relations.
The faculty at Brandeis are distinguished scholars and practitioners in their respective fields, contributing to the university’s reputation for academic excellence. The university’s commitment to small class sizes fosters a close-knit academic community where students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, receive personalized attention, and collaborate with faculty on research projects.
Social Justice and Diversity: Brandeis University has a strong commitment to social justice and diversity. The university’s founding principles emphasize the importance of creating a community that values and promotes inclusivity. Brandeis actively works to foster a diverse student body, faculty, and staff, creating an environment that embraces different perspectives and experiences.
The commitment to social justice is reflected in both the curriculum and the campus culture. Brandeis encourages students to explore issues related to equity, inclusion, and social responsibility, preparing them to become thoughtful and engaged citizens. Various centers and institutes on campus focus on research and advocacy in areas such as gender, race, and international justice.
Research and Innovation: Brandeis University is recognized for its research contributions and commitment to innovation. The university supports a robust research environment, with opportunities for students to engage in research projects, present their findings, and collaborate with faculty members. Brandeis’s commitment to interdisciplinary research is evident in the collaborative initiatives across different schools and departments.
The Brandeis Innovation Center serves as a hub for entrepreneurial and innovative activities on campus. It provides resources and support for students and faculty looking to translate their research and ideas into real-world applications. The university’s emphasis on innovation aligns with its mission to contribute to advancements in knowledge and address contemporary challenges.
Campus and Facilities: The Brandeis University campus is characterized by a mix of modern and historic buildings set against a backdrop of green spaces. The Rose Art Museum, located on campus, is known for its contemporary art collections and exhibitions. The Goldfarb Library serves as a central resource for academic research and study.
Brandeis’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its green initiatives, including LEED-certified buildings and environmentally conscious practices. The campus provides spaces for both academic and recreational activities, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Student Life: Brandeis University offers a diverse and enriching student life experience. With a range of student organizations, clubs, and cultural events, students have ample opportunities to pursue their interests, engage with their peers, and contribute to the campus community. The Brandeis Judges, the university’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division III sports, adding to the sense of school spirit.
The Student Union plays a crucial role in organizing events and advocating for student interests. The university’s commitment to the arts is evident in the presence of various performing arts groups and cultural organizations that contribute to the vibrant cultural scene on campus.
Global Perspective: Brandeis University encourages students to develop a global perspective and engage with the broader world. The university offers study abroad programs, enabling students to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of global issues. Additionally, Brandeis’s commitment to international education is reflected in its diverse student body and faculty, creating an environment that values a range of perspectives and experiences.
Alumni Success: Brandeis University has a notable and accomplished alumni community. Graduates of Brandeis can be found in leadership positions across various fields, including academia, business, government, and the arts. The university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking and ethical leadership is evident in the achievements of its alumni.
Brandeis University stands as a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, social justice, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and global engagement, Brandeis continues to play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences and future successes of its students.
415 South Street Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Phone: (781) 736-3500
Email: admissions@brandeis.edu
Web site: http://www.brandeis.edu
Rankings: Brandeis University
Located in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is one of the best universities in the state of Massachusetts. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Brandeis University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Brandeis University.
Brandeis University is ranked #37 among national universities in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, up from #44 in 2020. The university also climbed to #25 among private universities, up from #31 last year. Additionally, Brandeis was ranked among the top 50 “Most Innovative Schools” and one of the “Best Value Schools” for the third consecutive year. The university also earned a place on the “A+ Schools for B Students” list, which recognizes institutions that are committed to providing college access to all students regardless of their GPA or test scores.
Brandeis has also been ranked as one of the top universities in Massachusetts by Forbes, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Money Magazine. The university was named a “best buy” by Fiske Guide to Colleges and received high marks for academic excellence by The Princeton Review and Washington Monthly Magazine. Additionally, Brandeis earned a spot on the Military Friendly® School list for its commitment to serving military-affiliated students and families.
Brandeis is internationally recognized as well; it is ranked in the top 500 institutions in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021 and is one of only five Massachusetts schools included on this prestigious list. The university has also been featured prominently on lists such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and QS World University Rankings®.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 31 |
| Score: | 67 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.5 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 27 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 94.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 90.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 86% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 4 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 29 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 68.7% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 6.6% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 9:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 88.4% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 28 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1290-1450 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 82% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 94% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 32.4% |
| Financial resources rank: | 47 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 20 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 31.8% |
Essential Facts: Brandeis University
- At Brandeis University, the disparity between men and women on campus is on par with the national average.
- Brandeis University is considered to be very diverse across all factors, and is ranked #151 nationwide.
- Brandeis is academically intense: most undergraduates complete two majors or combine a major with one or more minors, and a number pursue one of our 13 combined Bachelor-Masters degree programs.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 77% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 80% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, television station, yearbook |