Enhanced Financial Aid for Master's Admits Through an Appeals Process
The Admissions Office recognizes that the scholarships currently offered may not be competitive enough or may be insufficient for students who will incur significant debt and/or have shortfalls with the Form I-20. While we are unable to provide full tuition coverage, we understand that offering an enhanced merit scholarship, even if only a nominal increase, could make it more feasible for admitted students to enroll at Brandeis. Although we are unable to review appeals for all accepted students, a pilot program will be introduced in the 2025-2026 cycle to allow us to review appeals for our most meritorious applicants.
Eligible academic departments* may nominate 1 for every 4 accepted applicants moved forward or no more than 25% of the cohort for enhanced scholarship consideration. These nominations should remain confidential and not be disclosed to the student. Departments will nominate admits via the Recommendation to Admit form in Slate by answering the question “Would you like to consider this applicant for an enhanced scholarship?”
Any applicant (nominated or not) who contacts the academic department or admissions office regarding concern about their scholarship level should be directed to gsasfinaid@brandeis.edu.
Those accepted students who were nominated and who independently appeal will be reviewed for an enhanced merit scholarship. Enhanced Scholarships decisions will be made on or by April 1st. If an admitted student's scholarship is increased they will be notified over email and a revised award letter will be added to their Slate portal which is also visible to departments in Slate.
*Ineligible departments include Biotechnology, Hornstein: Jewish Professional Leadership, Teacher Leadership, and Studio Art programs because of existing awarding structures and/or discounted tuition models.