Applying for Financial Aid

Brandeis is committed to meeting full demonstrated need for our incoming first-year students. More than 50 percent of Brandeis undergraduates receive need-based financial assistance each year. Any student who believes the cost of attending Brandeis might present a financial hardship is encouraged to apply for financial aid. For the annual estimated costs of attending Brandeis, see “Tuition and Fees.”

For help estimating your cost of attendance and determining how much and what types of financial aid you may qualify for at Brandeis, visit our Net Price Calculator for Prospective Students. (Please note that this tool should only be used as a guide for financial planning and does not represent a final determination, or actual award, of financial assistance.

Members of the Class of 2014 were offered $9 million in grants and scholarships by Brandeis. The average need-based award approaches $35,000 and ranges from $2,500 to full tuition, room and board.

In order to guarantee full need is consistently met over the course of a student’s attendance at Brandeis, we ask that families resubmit their financial profile each year.

For further information, visit the Brandeis Office of Student Financial Services website.

Applying for Aid (Domestic First-Year Applicants)

To apply for need-based financial aid, you must submit the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (CSS Code 3092).

• If your parents/guardians own a business or a farm, you will be asked to submit complete copies of their prior-year business tax returns (i.e., Schedule C, Partnership, S-Corporation and U.S. Corporation).
• If you stated that your natural parents are divorced or separated, you will need to have your noncustodial parent (the parent with whom you do not live) complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.

You may file the PROFILE online.

On a case by case basis, Brandeis may request income-tax returns or other documents to determine financial aid eligibility.

Financial aid material deadlines:

• Early Decision Round I: Nov. 15
• Early Decision Round II: Jan. 1
• Regular Decision: Feb. 1

Please note that Brandeis does not require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, Code 002133) until you have been accepted to the University and have paid the University deposit. At that time, you may file the FAFSA online.

Applying for Aid (Domestic Transfer Applicants)

To apply for need-based financial aid, you must submit:

• CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (CSS Code 3092).
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, Code 002133)
• Parent(s) Federal Tax Return
• Student's Federal Tax Return
• If your parents/guardians own a business or a farm, you will be asked to submit complete copies of their prior-year business tax returns (i.e., Schedule C, Partnership, S-Corporation and U.S. Corporation).
• If you stated that your natural parents are divorced or separated, you will need to have your noncustodial parent (the parent with whom you do not live) complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
• On a case by case basis, Brandeis may request income-tax returns or other documents to determine financial aid eligibility.

Financial aid material deadlines:

• Fall 2013 transfer admission: Apr. 1, 2013
• Spring 2014 transfer admission: Nov. 1, 2013

Applying for Aid (International Applicants) 

Brandeis offers a competitive program of scholarship and financial aid for international students. Each year, we give more than $1 million in scholarships to international students. Furthermore, we meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for international students who are admitted. To be considered for these scholarships, international students must submit the CSS Profile and supporting financial documents.

Students who are unable to submit the Online CSS Profile may instead submit the International Student Application for Financial Aid (pdf).

Please note that international students who are not awarded financial aid for their first year will not be able to receive financial aid in future years. It is imperative that applicants who will need financial aid during college apply for financial aid when they apply for admission. All scholarships are awarded for four years of study at Brandeis, beginning with the semester for which the student is admitted.