Brandeis announces program offering full tuition for families earning $75K or less a year

Brandeis University last month announced a new program aimed at removing significant financial barriers for incoming undergraduate students in line with the university’s founding commitment to access and equity. 

Starting with the class entering in fall 2025, under the Brandeis Commitment program, families with total incomes of less than $75,000 annually and typical assets will receive total grants and scholarships that cover their full tuition. Students from families earning less than $200,000 a year and typical assets will receive grants and scholarships totalling 50% of their tuition.

Brandeis is one of the smallest R1 research universities in the United States, and its undergraduates work directly with researchers and academics in their fields. 

In a press release announcing its Brandeis Commitment, the university said the program makes a transformative Brandeis education accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status.

“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 Interim President Arthur Levine ’70. “We are encouraging more students to aim high and apply to Brandeis by removing uncertainty about the cost of attendance for their families.”

The program will apply to students entering Brandeis beginning in fall 2025. Brandeis will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all families who qualify, including those not eligible for the Brandeis Commitment due to ineligibility for federal aid, family’s assets or income. Students eligible for the Brandeis Commitment may also qualify for additional aid depending on their calculated financial need.

“Brandeis has been committed to providing 100% of calculated financial need and will continue to do so for current and future students,” said Jennifer Walker, the university’s dean of admissions. “The Brandeis Commitment will provide more clarity for prospective students and families who want to have a better sense of the aid they will receive before they apply.”

Students will be considered for the Brandeis Commitment when they submit their financial aid applications. More information about eligibility for the Brandeis Commitment can be found at Brandeis Student Financial Services.

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