<p>Twinmom, we know several kids who got merit aid at Brandeis who are Jewish, so I wouldn't rule it out. One turned down two Ivies..... the scholarship was huge. I don't know stats....</p>
<p>Brandeis uses merit aid for a variety of purposes, diversity being only one of them, as does virtually every institution who offers it.</p>
<p>To the OP-- don't assume that a school with a Jewish studies department, or a department of Jewish/Christian studies will have the kind of Jewish population your niece is looking for. Many of these programs attract working scholars and PhD candidates.... who don't live on campus, don't need the kind of support, services, activities, etc. your niece is looking for. The Hillel website is a good starting place to learn about the undergrad activities-- the academic departments may mean there are professors fluent in Ancient Greek and Aramaic, but won't help her get a meal on a Friday night....</p>