Merit Scholarships
The following is a list of all merit scholarship opportunities offered by Brandeis to undergraduate students.
Consult your merit scholarship notification letter for the expiration policy that applies to your particular award.
Merit Scholarship Renewal Requirements
Brandeis-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to the most academically outstanding students in our pool. The top admitted students will be offered a Dean, Trustee, Presidential or Justice Brandeis Scholarship, awards ranging from $10,500 to $20,500 annually. These scholarships recognize the potential impact of a student's contributions in the classroom here at Brandeis. Please note that once awarded, the scholarship amount remains the same for all years of eligibility.
Students do not need to apply for merit funding. All applicants, regardless of application method, will be considered during the admissions review period. Recipients will be notified of their awards shortly after the admission decision release date. All merit offers are final and will be determined based on a holistic evaluation of academic accomplishments. If you have any questions about the merit scholarship process, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Brandeis-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is available to entering first-year students who have attained National Merit Finalist status and have designated Brandeis as their first choice through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Recipients of this renewable $500 scholarship are chosen by the NMSC. NMSC begins mailing offers to college-sponsored Merit Scholar designees May 1.
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students on the basis of academic performance and extracurricular participation in secondary school, outstanding community involvement and demonstrated financial need.
There is no application for this scholarship beyond the admission application and the CSS Profile. (Please note that the FAFSA and parent and student taxes will also be required upon payment of the deposit.)
The amount of this scholarship is equal to the student's calculated institutional financial need, based on the CSS Profile, the FAFSA and student and parent tax returns, and is renewable for up to eight semesters of study at Brandeis.
Giumette Academic Achievement Award
The Giumette Academic Achievement Award (GAAA) was developed by the Office of Students and Enrollment, in conjunction with the Student Union and the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences, as a way to recognize currently enrolled sophomores who have distinguished themselves in their course of study at Brandeis. Formerly known as the Brandeis Academic Achievement Award, the award was renamed in 2015 in honor of Peter Giumette, who served as the Dean of Student Financial Services for over 20 years and who had a deep commitment to increasing access to educational opportunities for first-generation and low-income students.
The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding scholarship and academic achievement as evidenced by grades, faculty recommendations, and personal accomplishment. A maximum of five awards in the amount of $5,000 per semester will be conferred for the junior and senior years. Recipients will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff.
Stroum Family Waltham Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to four top graduating seniors from Waltham High School in Massachusetts.
There is no application for this scholarship beyond the admission application and the CSS Profile.
The amount of this scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters of study at Brandeis.
- Affordability
- Schedule an Appointment
- Tuition and Fees
- Financial Aid
- Emergency Funds
- Student Accounts and Billing
- Student Employment
- Forms and Helpful Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us
- Home