What Does It Really Cost to Attend Brandeis University?

A private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis University is known for its top-rated business and economics programs—as well as its high price tag. While the list price may dissuade some students from applying, the truth is that many Brandeis students pay far less than the number printed in the brochure. To that end, students considering Brandeis or other private colleges need to do their research to find out the actual cost of attendance.

Wondering what it really costs to attend Brandeis University? Keep reading to learn why college costs vary so drastically, along with what your student can do to make their education more affordable.

Why College Costs Are Highly Variable

If it’s your family’s first time embarking on the college applications journey, then you might not know what to expect when it comes to finances. The truth is that students shouldn’t make college decisions based solely on a school’s list price. Instead, they need to look at the net price, or list price minus the value of government aid, institutional grants, and merit scholarships.

Additionally, families should compare and contrast the average net prices for public and private colleges. While public schools tend to come with lower sticker prices, the large endowments at private institutions mean they often have more money to hand out in financial aid and scholarships.

What Is the List Price at Brandeis University?

Brandeis University is a highly-rated school with a similarly high list price. As of the 2016-2017 school year, the sticker price was $68,125. In most cases, applicants in the top 30% of accepted students and those from families earning less than $175,000 a year didn’t pay the full sticker price.

What Is the Brandeis University Financial Aid Net Price?

The financial aid net price at Brandeis is significantly less than the sticker price. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the average net cost was $58,437.

What Is the Family Income-Based Cost of Attending Brandeis?

The cost of attending Brandeis University varies based on a family’s income level. View average net tuition prices based on family salary below:

How Much Merit Aid Do Brandeis University Students Receive?

As a Brandeis student, your student has a solid chance of receiving merit aid. In fact, the school ranks 602nd out of the 1000 colleges we analyzed in our merit aid generosity study.

Currently, 23.8% of students without need get funding based on merit at Brandeis, with an average award amount of $3,520. If your family doesn’t qualify for financial aid, expect to pay around $64,605 per year in tuition and fees.

How Many Brandeis University Students Take Out Loans?

Loans can help students bridge the gap between the amount of money a school costs and the financing available through scholarships and grants. At Brandeis University, 33% of students receive student loans, with the average undergraduate borrowing $4,284 over the course of their college career.

Student Outcomes at Brandeis University

Brandeis University applicants should consider student outcomes when deciding whether the school is a sound investment. Since Brandeis has a six-year graduation rate of 87%, parents can feel relatively secure in the knowledge that their teen will finish school on time. A decade after completing college, the average Brandeis student was making $57,900 a year.

Local Area Cost Considerations

Located about 13 miles outside Boston, Waltham is an expensive place to work and go to school. With a cost of living index of 171.1, Waltham is around 71% more expensive than the average U.S. city. If you’re living off-campus, budget to spend $1737 on a one-bedroom, $2117 for a two-bedroom, and $2653 for a three-bed apartment. That said, living with a roommate or two can significantly reduce costs. Depending on the suburb of Boston, students can find a decent room to rent for less than $1000/month if they split a larger apartment with roommates.

Because Massachusetts has a $12 minimum wage, Brandeis students can expect to earn a good amount of money working part time. For students who choose to stay in Waltham after graduating, the average annual salary is $72,016.

Ways to Save Money on College

Students seeking off-campus employment can apply to one of the many restaurants and retail establishments on Moody Street in Waltham’s commercial district. Additionally, Brandeis attendees can earn extra cash through work-study jobs on campus. The benefit of these positions is that students can typically study and do homework while on the job.

If you want to minimize work hours in order to concentrate on your studies, consider applying for one of the many independent scholarship opportunities out there. For example, the National Merit Scholarship program provides grants to the top 1 percent of scorers on the PSAT. Each year, around 15,000 students benefit from this prestigious program. For more scholarship and fellowship opportunities, check out the Brandeis University website.

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